Guyana Times 28 September, 2019

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Sale to Republic Bank will not move forward – Scotiabank Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4060

saturday, september 28, 2019

GECOM imposes new criteria for Claims and Objections See story on page 3

…persons must visit GECOM with ID cards before being placed on new OLE

...GECOM Secretariat unilaterally changed C&O timeline …no such decision was made ꟷ Opposition Commissioners …say new criteria a "hogwash" attempt of another H2H Registration

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP/C to roll out campaign in all regions – Jagdeo P9 …scrutineers to be dispatched to witness electoral activities

Sales rep P8 slapped with 5 fraud charges

Entrepreneurs to vie for funding …as 2nd Business Development Forum launched

Page 12

Bandit caught, beaten by Uitvlugt residents P2 EBD man remanded for rape of teen P8 boy

Fire destroys Corentyne P11 house story on Int’l community pledges technical Seepage 11 support for free & fair elections in Guyana

No decision made on continued funding for projects in Guyana ꟷ UK Govt See story on page 7

…contradicts Patterson, Jordan's claims of secured funding for Linden-Mabura, seawall projects

CANU rank fired for placing illegal substance in passenger's luggage at CJIA Page 10

…2 homeless

P8 Alleged cocaine in handbag lands woman on remand

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SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sale to Republic Bank will not move forward – Scotiabank

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hree days after Central Bank of Guyana denied the application for Republic Financial Holdings Limited, the parent company of Republic Bank (Guyana), for the purchase/acquisition of the operations of Scotiabank in Guyana, the Canadian bank has said that it will continue business here until a solution can be made on the issue.

In a brief statement, Scotiabank’s Manager – Communications and Corporate Social

Responsibility (Caribbean), Cindy Mohammed said as a result of the decision communicated by the Bank of Guyana, the sale of Scotiabank’s operations in Guyana to Republic Bank will not move forward at this time.

“We will continue to deliver business as usual and focus on the best long-term solution for our employees and customers,” Mohammed said in the statement.

Meanwhile, President and CEO of Republic Financial Holdings Limited

(RFHL), Nigel Baptiste, has since said that while the development is disappointing, “we do not dwell on disappointment. 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. We appreciate the Bank of Guyana’s acknowledgement of the value of our longstanding

Bandit caught, beaten by Uitvlugt residents

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bandit is now in Police custody after he was caught by residents of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) while attempting to burglarise the home of an elderly couple.

The man was caught around 21:30h attempting to enter the house of Edward and Cheryl Jones.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicate that the suspect entered the elderly couple’s house through the back door, which was left opened.

However, unaware that the couple, who lived alone, had a visitor, the man sneaked in but was confronted by the couple’s grandson.

The grandson, Nigel Jones, 23, raised an alarm

alerting residents to the thief.

Neighbours, who heard the commotion, responded and caught the bandit as he was attempting to run out of the elderly couple’s yard.

Residents gave him a sound thrashing before calling the Police.

According to Jones, he was making a late night snack when he saw the back door to the house being opened.

“So I got frighten because I didn’t know if it was like a gang with guns and so I hide but I could still see the door, by the time duh I see he face.

I know he from long, since I used to live here (Uitvlugt), so I just confront he and he

run but I call out quick and so neighbour them come out and attack he,” the couple’s grandson stated.

He recounted that he was relieved that he spent the night at his grandparents’ house since the situation could have been a tragedy had he not been there.

“He know them live here alone so he probably think that he could have come in steal and get out but my grandfather is a man he would’ve confronted him and something bad could have happened, so I feel good that I was over here,” Jones explained.

The suspect is presently in Police custody and being processed for court.

role in the development of Guyana’s financial landscape and our continued contribution to the financial sector”.

On Tuesday, Governor at the Central Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, told Guyana Times that the application was denied in light of concerns about “concentration” and “competition” which would have negative impacts on the country’s financial system.

He stated that both banks were notified about the Central Bank of Guyana’s evaluation and position on this matter. “…to tell, more specifically, Republic Bank that we could not approve their application for the merger or acquisition of the assets because of a number of factors.

But largely it would be the

high level of concentration in the financial and/or banking system that would have had an impact on the health of the financial system with respect to systemic risks.

In addition, with respect to cost because it would have led to lower cost efficiency meaning that competition would have been affected,” Ganga told this publication.

According to Dr Ganga, had Republic Bank (Guyana) been allowed to forge ahead with its planned takeover of Scotiabank’s operations here, then this would have resulted in systemic effects.

“It could cause things happening in the financial system which we could not control…we would have indicated to Scotiabank that we don’t have a problem in terms of the bank wanting to sell but we would have

liked for them to look into the areas where you would not have the concentration and you have a proper, potential buyer,” he added.

In late November 2018, after the proposed buyout was announced, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that Republic Bank Limited’s acquisition of Scotiabank’s operations in Guyana could be unhealthy for the local financial sector.

His statements came on the heels of the Canadianbased Scotiabank announcing that it has signed an agreement to sell its banking operations in Guyana and eight other Caribbean nations to Republic Financial Holdings Limited.

Last November, Republic Bank had announced that it was seeking to acquire Scotiabank operations in St Maarten, Guyana, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On September 7, 2019, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), in consultation with the ECCB Monetary Council, had approved the application for the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Bank of Nova Scotia to the Republic Financial Holding Limited (RFHL) in Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

news

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SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, September 28 – 04:00h – 05:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Sunday, September 29 – 05:30h – 07:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Berbice – Saturday, September 28 – 16:10h – 17:40h and Sunday, September 29 – 16:50h – 18:20h.

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

GECOM imposes new criteria for Claims and Objections …persons must visit GECOM with ID cards before being placed on new OLE ...GECOM Secretariat unilaterally changed C&O timeline …no such decision was made – Opposition Commissioners …say new criteria a “hogwash” attempt of another H2H Registration

WEATHER TODAY Early morning showers are expected; however, there will be sunshine for the rest of day.

There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to South South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 04:02h and 16:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.84 metres and 2.88 metres.

Low Tide: 09:58h and 22:18h reaching minimum heights of 0.36 metre and 0.31 metre.

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Commissioner Robeson Benn

Commissioner Sase Gunraj

s the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) prepares to begin a Claims and Objections exercise next week, new criterion was imposed – a move which distilled concerns among the Opposition-nominated Commissioners.

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

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

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

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

or in part. In fact, it was not even a discussion that was had at the Commission level. This can only be seen as an attempt [to] foist another version of House-to-House Registration on the citizens of this country…I would want to label it, and I am being very charitable when I say this – mischievous at best. But it is not surprising,” he pointed out.

This also comes in contradiction to the Chief Justice, Roxane George’s ruling on August 14, 2019, where she

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Hogwash

Opposition-nominated Commissioners called an emergency press conference on Friday, where they slammed this imposition, noting that it was never discussed during their meetings.

According to Commissioner Sase Gunraj, this “hogwash” attempt is another version of House-toHouse Registration.

“This was never a decision taken by the Commission, either in whole

“During this exercise, every person whose name appears on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) must visit the registration office in their respective area with their national identification card to verify their registration record in order to be included in the Official List of Electors (OLE)” – GECOM

made a decision that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list.

Meanwhile, Gunraj indicated that there have been other instances where misleading information was issued from the Public Relations Department of the Commission.

“The Constitution did not impose such a requirement on the citizens of Guyana…

For two successive weeks, I have had cause to challenge statements made by the Public Relations Officer and

this seems to now be a trend in what is emanating from that section of GECOM. This sort of misinformation coming from the Secretariat at the Guyana Elections Commission, for me seems to be a proliferation and mischievous acts that they have become known for,” the Commissioner shared.

On the other hand, another component of the Claims and Objections process was deemed worrisome to the Commissioners. While

one past the Chairperson in respect to the number of days on a gazetted document,” Benn vocalised.

He added that there is a “steady pattern that is sustained here again in the press releases and behaviour at the Commission which goes against the grain of the decisions and the spirit and intent of the Commission itself in trying to uphold its constitutional duty.”

In light of these developments, the Commissioners

it was initially decided and announced that the exercise will last for 35 days, GECOM’s press release said the activity, which will begin on October 1, is scheduled for 49 days.

It was indicated that they alerted the GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, who indicated that the matter will be addressed.

H o w e v e r , Commissioner Robeson Benn commented, “I’ve been very critical of some actors in the Secretariat.

The Secretariat itself seems to be led on by persons who seem to have no rights in respect of giving advice and forcing decisions upon the Commission.”

He indicated that the document approved by the Chairperson with the accurate amount of days may not have been the one that was dispatched to the media.

“It appears to me that the Chairperson would have signed a document with a different number of days but the end result was that a document came out under her signature which has 49 days. It appears somehow that they were able to slip

underscored the need for external scrutiny during this process and other activities until the polling process is completed. They also requested an investigation.

Commissioner Benn posited, “There was skulduggery at work…We need to urgently get in and take up the offers of support of the technical and other administrative persons who will come and do oversight and working together to improve the professionalism and quality and integrity of work of the Secretariat. We cannot rely on this Secretariat, particularly considering the motives which underlie what is going on here and which seems to be one-sided, biased and not in conformance with the Constitution.”

According to GECOM, the countrywide exercise will be conducted at all registration offices and will conclude on November 18.

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

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guyanatimesgy.com

SAturday, september 28, 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

Improving healthcare E

arlier this week, world leaders adopted a high-level United Nations Political Declaration on universal health coverage (UHC). The UHC is being touted as the most comprehensive set of health commitments ever adopted at this level geared towards improving the health of citizens all over the word.

This declaration comes the day after the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health partners restated the need to double health coverage between now and 2030. This commitment is therefore viewed as a bold step by governments and policymakers in their efforts towards ensuring that citizens lead healthier and happier lives.

In adopting the declaration, UN Member States have committed to advance towards UHC by investing in four major areas around primary health care. These include mechanisms to ensure no one suffers financial hardship because they have had to pay for healthcare out of their own pockets and implementing high-impact health interventions to combat diseases and protect women’s and children’s health. In addition, countries are required to strengthen health workforce and infrastructure and reinforce governance capacity. It is expected that countries will then report back on their progress to the UN General Assembly in 2023.

Of course, the challenge now for governments would be to turn these commitments into concrete actions which would produce results that would make a difference in terms of improving the health of people everywhere.

Delivering adequate healthcare has always been a challenge for developing countries with limited resources and underdeveloped systems. The ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Health Price Tag’, published some time ago in The Lancet Global Health, had provided some useful information in relation to costs and benefits of progressively expanding health services in order to reach 16 SDG health targets in 67 low— and middle—income countries that account for 75% of the world’s population. The ‘SDG Health Price Tag’ does not prescribe what countries should spend on health, but is intended as a tool to inform further research.

The SDGs were adopted by the Member States of the United Nations in 2015 as the world’s to-do list for the next 15 years. They comprise 17 ambitious, interlinked goals and 169 targets for a healthier, safer and fairer world by 2030.

While the SDGs are for all countries, the ‘SDG Health Price Tag’ focused on 67 low- and middle-income countries that face the greatest challenges in terms of expanding health services.

According to the report, investments to expand services towards universal health coverage and the other SDG health targets could prevent 97 million premature deaths globally between now and 2030, and add as much as 8.4 years of life expectancy in some countries.

The report explains that the ‘SDG Health Price Tag’ models two scenarios: an “ambitious” scenario in which investments are sufficient for countries to attain the health targets in the SDGs by 2030, and a “progress” scenario in which countries get two thirds or more of the way to the targets.

Certainly, there is need for developing countries, such as Guyana, to continue making stronger efforts to revise financing at national levels, so that health could be positioned as a top priority for funding. For example, there is need for targeted allocation of resources to address the growing shortage of health workers. Hospitals and health centres across Guyana need to be equipped with adequate nurses, doctors and other health experts to deal with health problems that citizens face daily.

Further, creating awareness with regard to social determinants of health, promoting health at all levels of the community; ensuring that healthy public policies are in place and developing and implementing innovative approaches that work can go a far way in achieving health targets.

That said, achieving universal health coverage and the other health targets requires not only funding but political will. As stated by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, UHC is ultimately a political choice. It is the responsibility of every country and national governments to pursue it.

A piece on display at the National Gallery of Art in Castellani House, Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown at an exhibition honouring one of Guyana’s outstanding Indigenous artists, George Simon

Venezuela crisis: UN to investigate alleged human rights violations

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he UN Human Rights Council will investigate alleged human rights violations in Venezuela, including executions, disappearances and torture.

The forum approved sending a fact-finding mission after a resolution was put forward by Venezuela’s neighbours and backed by European countries.

Many of the 6000 deaths in security raids since January 2018 could have been extrajudicial executions, it said.

Venezuela’s envoy said the “hostile” text was part of a US-led campaign.

The country is suffering a severe economic and political crisis, and a quarter of its 30 million population need aid, according to the UN. Some four million people have fled in recent years.

President Nicolás Maduro has accused Washington of waging an “economic war” against his country and orchestrating a coup to oust him.

The Geneva-based council adopted the resolution brought by countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru, which are hosting millions of Venezuelan refugees.

These nations, part of the Lima Group, are among the 50 countries that have given their backing to Juan Guaidó, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, who declared himself President in January saying Maduro’s re-election last year was fraudulent.

The resolution con-

Supporters of Guaidó have repeatedly clashed with security force

demned “widespread targeted repression and persecution” through what it called the excessive use of force by security agents against peaceful anti-government protesters, the closing down of media and the erosion of the rule of law.

It also condemned arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances carried out by security agencies, including the special force known as Faes, and pro-government civilian armed groups, called colectivos.

The text was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour,

seven against and 21 abstentions.

“It must be clear to all at this council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner,” said UK Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution.

In a report in July, UN human rights Chief Michelle Bachelet accused the Venezuelan security forces of sending death squads to murder young men and staging the scenes to make it look like the victims resisted arrest.

V e n e z u e l a n

Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a “hostile initiative” and said his country had no intention to co-operate with the mission.

“This small group follows to a tee instruments handed to them by the American empire, these are shameful subjects of administration of President [Donald] Trump,” he said.

A report is expected to be delivered in a year.

Even if Venezuela refuses access to the investigators, they will take testimony from victims and witnesses inside and outside the country, as they have done with Syria and Myanmar.

(BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 28, 2019

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

Protecting own self-interest How low can the PNC go?

Dear Editor, Democracy cannot flourish in a lawless climate. No democratic nation today can act in a manner that irresponsibly flouts the rule of law, international norms and conventions without the risk of attracting international condemnation.

Constitutional rule of law, democracy, peace, stability and human rights are all universal values which are considered outside the usual interpretation of interference in the internal affairs of a host country.

When there is an imminent threat, the international community is expected to hold Governments who act with impunity, accountable for the preservation of those universal values mentioned above. In 1999, five years after 800,000 people were brutally murdered in what is known as the Rwandan genocide, the African Union adopted the Charter of NonIndifference to deal with rogue Governments when those cardinal principles are violated. And so, although the world is a lot safer, there are still those who feel they are above the law and act as though they are untouchables.

I welcome the joint communiqué by the American Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, the UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn and the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, that called upon the now illegal

President “to set an elections date immediately in full compliance with Guyana’s Constitution”.

I am also pleased with the statement issued by the Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, urging “the President of Guyana and all relevant stakeholders and institutions to restore constitutional rule in Guyana by immediately setting an early election date in consonance with its Constitution, enabling elections to be held without further delay.”

Strong statements of condemnation also came from the Private Sector Commission; the Bar Association; the religious community; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI); the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham); the Central Islamic Organisation and others including editorials in Guyana Times and Stabroek News.

I wish to thank them all for their courage and the principled position they took.

When a country signs on to United Nations conventions that guarantee peace, stability and human rights, they give up the right to complain of interference when they themselves are guilty of abusing these issues. Now that Granger is in breach of the Constitution, he expects the diplomatic corps and civil society to remain silent.

And while most of Guyana are fed-up and out of patience with the arrogance

and stubbornness of the illegal President to definitively call a date for elections, the deafening silence of some diplomats, organisations, and most specifically caricom leaders, is very worrying.

But as can be expected, not everyone is ready to abandon the sinking ship.

There are still a few PNC/ APNU/AFC apologists on board who would do or say anything to protect their personal interests, even to the point of shamelessly attacking the western diplomats for doing the right thing. None of these hypocrites has had the courage to condemn David Granger for being duplicitous when in 2014, he called upon the same diplomatic corps to impose sanctions on the Ramotar Government after he prorogued Parliament.

Granger knew then the correct interpretation of Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) of our Constitution and the consequences that flow from the successful passage of a confidence vote. But now that the shoe is on the other foot, he conveniently got amnesia and misrepresents its clear, unambiguous meaning. I guess all that radiation he has been exposed to during his medical treatment in Cuba has made him even more delusional.

Those who now shamelessly protect the usurperin-chief do so to protect their own self-interest. As major beneficiaries of this illegal Government, they will continue to ignore Granger’s de-

fiance and will vilify anyone who condemns him for violating the Constitution.

I refer to the PNC/APNU propagandists: Rickford Burke, Lincoln Lewis, Dr David Hinds, Khemraj Ramjattan and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, who should all have their visas and permanent residence status revoked immediately by the US Embassy.

Editor, after the 2015 General and Regional Elections, it was rumoured that the ABCE countries had so wanted to see the backs of the PPP/C that they had guaranteed the APNU/ AFC another five years in Government. This message was propagated to party supporters by Congress Place to dispel fears of them losing the general elections in much the same way they had lost heavily to the PPP/C in the Local Government Elections of 2016 and 2018. Now that the lie has been dispelled by the joint statement from the ABE countries, they are being vilified as conspirators, carrying out the dictates of the Opposition. While it’s true that these diplomats have their own agenda, high on their list of priority remains the cultivation and protection of democracy and human rights. No civilised democracy will ever abandon those noble goals.

Sincerely, Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

How low will this unconstitutional Govt go with its trickery?

Dear Editor, I was astonished by a report on an online news agency under the headline; “US$2.2M contract signed for Kato Hydropower project”.

The news article stated that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure announced the signing of a contract for the design, supply and installation of 150kw Hydropower plant on the Cheung River at Kato Village in Region 8 valued at US $2,251,880.

This information was also published on the Ministry of Public infrastructure’s Facebook page.

It would appear that this illegal government is engaging in another act of shameless act.

Editor, I wish to remind that the Kato Secondary School Project with accompanying electrification, was part of the PPP/C’s formidable drive to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of Universal Access to Secondary Education and to enhance hinterland electrification.

While the PPP/C remains supportive of this and any other initiatives that will advance the lives of our

people, there must be transparency and accountability.

However, this announcement is a cause for worry and demands closer scrutiny.

The media reported that the contract, which was awarded to B&J Civil Works, was signed on Thursday September 26, 2019, eight (8) days after the David Granger government slipped from its caretaker status to unconstitutional rule, totally ignoring the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice and its Consequential Orders.

The Agency funding this project is the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Sustainable Energy Program for Guyana.

Therefore, the local office of the IDB needs to explain to the Guyanese people, why funds are being released to an unconstitutional regime.

Is the local IDB office complicit in this illegality?

Editor, I would also like the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to inform this nation of the relevant experience of the contractor who was awarded this highly-technical project.

Based on the news report, the contracted signed on Monday is way over the estimated cost of the project when it was conceptualized

under the PPP/C administration.

Based on my information, this project is reeked of corruption and is another one being used for campaign financing of the PNCled APNU/AFC. Further, it begs to question if our international development partner is participating in this corruption scheme knowingly or unknowingly.

Already other international donors have been taking action to correct propaganda coming out from the APNU/AFC illegal govern-

ment.

One such example is the recent correction by the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UK CIF) regarding propaganda on the Linden to Lethem Road, the Kingston-Ogle Seawall Project and the Kurupukari Bridge.

Editor, it leaves me to wonder how low will this unconstitutional government go with its trickery.

Yours faithfully, Bishop Juan A Edghill

Dear Editor, Just when you think the PNC cannot come up with any more shenanigans to drag out the time for holding elections, their chief caretaker, chief plenarist Mr Granger, continues to show great contempt for the people of Guyana and the Constitution. Mr Granger has still not made a proclamation to enact elections and has not dissolved Parliament as required.

Despite local protests and international calls for the proclamation of an election date, the chief caretaker, whose party has wilfully dragged out the process, seems delusional and now thinks the PPP will go to Parliament and sanitise all their wicked deeds. What’s wrong with these people?

This man who has been violating the Constitution for nine months now and refusing to implement decisions of the highest courts can glibly lie that he has been in compliance with the Constitution.

The Government is now illegal. In March the PNC said Cabinet had resigned and they were a “plenary.” Now, after the CCJ has ruled against them, the PNC said, “Cabinet has not resigned,” and they still meet as a Cabinet and carry on

as usual. The PNC has now proven that they cannot be trusted with power. Will they leave office when defeated at the next election, or will they pull all these stunts of filing frivolous lawsuits to stay on indefinitely?

Civil society must stand up now for Guyana. The international organisations must impose sanctions and bring on the pressure. If Caricom is going to remain silent, the new PPP Government must reexamine the usefulness of Caricom to Guyana.

Also, Guyanese in Canada must lobby the Canadian Government to chime in on the illegality of the PNC regime.

To the PNC – you have lost all those crossover votes that helped you win in 2015.

You will not be trusted any more. While the PPP demitted office twice and can be trusted to act democratically, we understand that the PNC’s game is once they get in, they do not intend to get out. And that is dictatorship.

Mr Granger has forever lost all goodwill and has demonised his party and people once again.

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

Is this a case of Animal Farm?

Dear Editor, It must be queried -- in the matter of the hush-hush and secret review which was never made public until now -- of a two-decades-old decision by a former government

agency involving two former employees: Was the matter not referred to the court system, where others have had to go for perceived injustice?

Is this a case of Animal Farm?

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

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sATURDAY, september 28, 2019

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Foundation

Dear parents: Advice from a school administrator – here’s what you need to know to consciously co-partner with your child’s school

By Elizabeth Elizardi, MEd, MAPP

D

ear Parents, “It all makes sense.” Two teachers gather the morning after the first school meeting of the academic year and figuratively connect the dots between parent and child.

“She’s tough.”

Two parents reflect on the presentation by their child’s teacher, thinking, “Will the structure be too much?”

And so the relationship begins.

It’s the end of September, and as a modern-day parent, you have likely attended your child’s first school meeting of the academic year. The tradition of gathering at the beginning of the year is a purposeful way for parents to establish a relationship with the educators who will be spending close to 1000 hours with their child this year. We know it’s in the best interest of sons and daughters that parents and educators get along, and ideally engage in conscious co-partnering.

What follows is open advice to you, the parents, from a school administrator, as we set forth on the next 10 months of schooling.

1. Good schools do not expect perfection.

Be emotionally available to your children: That is enough. Be firm and kind to your children: That is enough. Parent with high expectations and high responsiveness: That is enough.

2.Parenting is part doing and part being. Be

aware of how your doing affects your being. Are you absently present or presently absent? Be more, do less.

3.Don’t stuff your own past into a backpack for your children to carry to school each day. Check your own emotion management and remember the three tenets of emotional intelligence: Know thyself (self-awareness); choose thyself (manage emotions) and give thyself (be empathic).

4.You don’t have to believe everything you think. Becoming entangled in your own mind chatter keeps you reactive, impulsive, and guided by unrealistic expectations. When your child shares a disappointment, friendship trouble, or a difficult interaction from school, ask more questions, be guided by values, and take time to reflect before reacting and sending that email.

5. Schools are places of belonging. Find your person, reach out for support, and share your stories.

This will help us know you better. Development is impacted by internal and external identities. We need to know yours.

6.Say yes to the mess There will be challenging days because no school is perfect. Be curious and open to negative emotions, like anger, sadness, or guilt. Assume the best of the school and the educators within it who are playing on the same team as you.

7.Broaden your view with positive emotions.

Gratitude, joy, love, kind-

ness— these are heart-centred, other-oriented emotions that provide a heliotropic effect of opening up to possibility and opportunity. Provide more of these moments with your children, and your psychological reserves will help you during challengi n g times.

8. What you pay attention to grows. Hunt the good stuff and be a maximiser of the good. Consider asking your child, “What went well today?”; “Tell me three good things”; or “What did you do today to make a difference?” when riding home.

9.Take care of yourself so that you can care for others. Do this by diversifying your sources of meaning. Your children do not complete you. You are already whole, resourceful, creative, and complete.

Parents who report higher levels of life satisfaction are those that diversify their sources of meaning so that they all don’t come from the same place. If one source is depleted or suffering, then they are still able to access meaning from another aspect of their life.

10. Be hopeful. Hope involves personal agency, pathways, and goal attainment. People who are high in hope create multiple pathways toward achieving their goals, even when there are obstacles along the way.

They reevaluate, recalibrate, and remain hopeful about reaching the end goal.

The ability to access alternative pathways and find hope, despite the setbacks, is crucial in reaching the goal of getting into the car and getting the kids to school. Hopeful people believe that there is a way and that their personal choices will make a difference.

As I mentioned in my own message to parents, good schools are committed to relentlessly discovering the very best in their students in the glorious and non-glorious moments. Fred Rogers once said the goal of all education is to teach children that they matter and that they belong. Mattering matters.

Though our neighbourhoods may look different from those of our past, the tenets of unity, kindness, and respect keep us connected to our neighbours.

We hope you will knock on our door, stop by often, or pick up the phone for advice or a listening ear. We will celebrate with you, and we will cry with you.

We will tell you things that are sometimes hard to hear, but important to know. We will remind you, when you need it the most, to look for the good stuff, and we will always remind you of what it means to be a good neighbour. (psychologytoday. com)

W

hen is a recycled product better than the original?

When it's paper that turns into flowers.

Here is a good way to recycle used paper and make a beautiful greeting card for someone special.

Make your own artsy paper that has wildflower seeds in it!

Use coloured markers to paint a design or message on it. Give it to someone special to plant in a pot or in the ground. Keep it wet and warm, and it will "recycle" into something far better than old, used paper.

What you need:

Used printer paper, cross-cut into tiny pieces by a paper shredder. Use 1-1/2 cups for each card.

Large bowl of warm water Window screen material Small embroidery hoop Food colouring (optional) Blender 9 x 13-inch baking pan Packet of wildflower or other seeds Bath towels or several layers of felt squares Waxed paper Coloured markers

What to do:

Soak the paper pieces in the bowl of water overnight.

Put the soaked paper into the blender, then fill the blender halfway with fresh water.

Blend until the mixture is soupy.

Add food colouring, if desired, and blend some more.

Fill the baking pan one-quarter full of water, then pour in the blended paper mixture – or pulp.

Slip the embroidery hoop with screen in from the side so that it slides beneath the pulp and seeds. If necessary, spoon some of the pulp over the screen.

Lift the screen gently, catching the pulp mixture evenly on top and letting the water drain off.

Lay the screen on a bath towel or felt layers to drain.

Sprinkle some seeds on top of the wet pulp, and gently pat them into the surface of the pulp.

When the bath towel or felt has soaked up as much water as it can, pick up the hoop and turn it over onto a sheet of waxed paper to dry. (Seeds will be on the bottom.)

You may have to gently hit the hoop on the table or counter surface to loosen the pulp from the screen. If the pulp does not stick together, try putting more pulp on the screen next time.

Let the paper dry for at least 24 hours.

If the paper does not lie flat, place a heavy object (like a book) on it for a few hours to flatten it.

Decorate it with markers on the un-seeded side.

To plant the paper:

When you plant the paper, lay it on the surface of the soil and sprinkle about one-quarter-inch thick layer of soil on top.

Water the soil lightly and keep the seeds wet until they sprout and have a few days to grow roots.

Good luck and happy recycling! (climatekids.nasa.gov)

news

7

saturday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

No decision made on continued funding for projects in Guyana – UK Govt …contradicts Patterson, Jordan's claims of secured funding for Linden-Mabura, seawall projects

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he United Kingdom G o v e r n m e n t , through its local High Commission in Guyana, on Friday announced that continued funding for the Linden to Mabura road, the Kurupukari Bridge and rehabilitation of the Kingston Seawall is yet to be decided.

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn clarified that no decision has been taken on continuing funding for the road.

In similar fashion, Quinn also said that the jury was still out on funding for the Kingston-Ogle seawall project.

Both of these projects were being funded from the UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF). While Quinn acknowledged that the UK did support the initial design work for both projects, he noted that no decision has been taken on funding the next construction phase.

“As part of the UKCaribbean Infrastructure Fund launched in 2016, over the last year, the UK

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

has supported initial design work for the construction of the road between Linden and Mabura and the bridge at Kurupukari, which is being implemented by the Caribbean Development Bank”.

“No decision has yet been made on the next construction phase of this project.

Similarly, whilst the UK funded the design phase of the Kingston-Ogle seawall

project through UKCIF, no decision has been taken on the next phase of this project either,” the High Commissioner added.

Quinn’s announcement came five days after Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson claimed that the road projects would start on October 1 and that all decisions have been finalised.

“I am pleased to say that we have agreed and we have worked out that there will be paved asphaltic concrete road between here and Lethem; Phase One will be launched on 1st of October and that entails the road from (Linden) to Mabura and including a bridge over the Kurupukari River,” Patterson had announced.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan was subsequently quoted as saying that funding had been secured for the project.

Only last week, the UK, in conjunction with the United States and European Union, diplomats had recently issued

a joint statement calling on the Government to name an election date.

They had warned the Government that violating the Constitution would have dire effects on what development aid they could give.

A No-Confidence Motion was passed against the Government since December 2018, but elections were not called in the required three-month timeframe. Instead, the Government went through several levels of court, unsuccessfully arguing that the No-Confidence Motion was not validly passed.

At the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the final court had thrown out the Government’s case and had handed down judgement saying that when the No Confidence Motion was passed on December 21, 2019, Article 106 of the Constitution had immediately been activated. In addition, the court had noted that the provisions of the article were clear.

Instead of immediately starting serious preparations to hold elections in the shortest possible time, however, GECOM proceeded to carry out House to House registration based on the orders of unilaterally appointed former Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson.

A court case challenging this process and seeking to have GECOM comply with the Constitution was in fact filed and adjudicated.

Following the court case, that process was ultimately stopped by his successor, retired Justice Claudette Singh, who then decided to merge the new data from House-to-House and to prioritise the printing of identification cards.

Eventually, a position was reached where GECOM decided that Claims and Objections will start on October 1; a necessary move towards having an Official List of Electors (OLE) to conduct elections.

In addition, Justice Singh informed the President via letter that

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

GECOM would be able to conduct elections by the end of February 2020. On Wednesday, President David Granger had announced March 2, 2020 as the earliest date for elections. However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has put little faith in this, saying at a press conference that a signed proclamation will hold more weight.

8 news

SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Alleged cocaine in handbag lands woman on remand

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41-year-old businesswoman, who was allegedly busted with a quantity of cocaine in her handbag, was on Friday remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly.

Samantha Hubbard appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied that on September 25, 2019, at Lot 194 Charlotte Street, Georgetown, she had in her possession 142 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution is contending that Police acting on information received went to the Charlotte Street, Georgetown location and carried out a search. During the search, the cannabis was reportedly found wrapped inside of a black plastic bag which was allegedly in Hubbard’s handbag.

Defence Attorney Dexter Todd in a bail application contended that the drug was found at the location where 16 other persons reside. The

Remanded: Samantha Hubbard

lawyer added that the handbag in which the drug was found was not in Hubbard’s possession but rather some distance away from her.

Prosecutor Sanj Singh in his submissions informed the court that the defendant was under surveillance for the past six months.

Magistrate Daly upheld the prosecution’s submission and remanded Hubbard to prison. The case will continue on October 24, 2019.

EBD man remanded for rape of teen boy

W

azeer Potter, a Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara resident was on Friday hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face a charge of sexual assault committed on a 14-year-old.

Potter was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Sherdel Issacs-Marcus. The charge stated that on August 8, 2018, at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age

of 16 years old.

Reports indicate that on August 8, 2018, the victim was playing in the front yard of his home when he was snatched by the accused and taken to a house where the act was committed.

After the incident, the victim related to his grandmother what transpired and a report was made to the police.

Potter subsequently went into hiding but was recently apprehended by the police.

Magistrate IssacsMarcus remanded him to prison. The case will continue on October 1, 2019.

Sales rep slapped with 5 fraud charges

J

amal Gilbert, a sales representative at VSH United (Guyana) was released on bail by Magistrate Leron Daly after being slapped with five fraud-related charges and appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

The 21-year-old father of one is accused of forging audit documents, uttering same, and offering false information to Police ranks.

The first charge alleged that between January 1, 2019, and March 5, 2019, at Middle Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he forged a document, that is, an auditor’s report in favour of Midtown Hotel Restaurant and Bar purporting to show that it was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D Bahadur Co Accounting Firm, while knowing same to be forged.

The second charge stated that between January 1, 2019, and March 5, 2019, at Middle Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he forged another auditor’s report, this time in favour of Total Medical Supplies Inc,

Charged: Jamal Gilbert

purporting to show that it was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D Bahadur Co Accounting Firm, knowing same to be forged.

Meanwhile, the third charge stated that on March 5, 2019, at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Camp Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Reon Sobers, a clerk at the agency, a forged auditor’s report in favour of Total Medical Supplies Inc purporting to show that same was signed by Drubahadur and issued by

D Bahadur, knowing same to be forged.

It was further alleged that on March 5, 2019, at the Guyana Revenue Authority, Camp Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Reon Sobers, a clerk at GRA, a forged auditor’s report in favour of Midtown Hotel Restaurant and Bar purporting to show that same was signed by Drubahadur and issued by D Bahadur Co Accounting Firm, knowing it to be forged.

The final charge stated that on March 29, at the Criminal Investigation Department, he gave Police Lance Corporal Prince, a public officer, information orally and in writing which he knew to be false, thereby causing the officer to use his lawful power to the annoyance of the person arrested.

The defendant denied all the charges after they were read to him.

Particulars of the matter revealed that D Bahadur went to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and reported that he was in possession of two au-

dit reports which showed that he signed same and were issued by his business.

However, Drubahadur stated that he did not sign the documents and neither did his business issue same.

As a result of this, an investigation was conducted and Police made contact with Gilbert, who told investigators that the documents were given to him by Reon Sobers.

This led to Police later arresting Reon Sobers in connection with the matter. Further investigations were conducted and it was then revealed that Gilbert was the one who forged the signatures on the documents and later uttered it to Sobers, who is attached to GRA. Meanwhile, Defence Attorney Leslie Sobers in a bail application asked that his client be released on bail, while noting that he is the sole breadwinner for his family.

Magistrate Daly granted Gilbert his pre-trial bail in the sum of $100,000.

The case was adjourned to October 4, 2019.

This confounded nonsense…

“N

…on elections date ow you see it; now you don’t!” That, of course, is the spiel of the card players on the hustle at the street corner as he diligently works to separate you from your hard-earned cash. David Granger has clearly learnt a thing or two from them as he works even more diligently to separate us from the sovereignty we hold over this land as its citizens. “Now you hear it; now you don’t!” has been his spiel with the announcement of an elections date when we’d be exercising that sovereignty to choose the next government!!

Now, for the longest while, he pretended he couldn’t even announce the date without first given permission by the GECOM Chair! But with his latest shuffle of the cards, he revealed what all knew from the very beginning: he was just playing the fool to misdirect our attention as he went ahead to fix the elections. The man just quoted Art 61 of the Constitution in its entirety when he finally purported to announce an elections date!!

To wit: “An election of members of the National Assembly…shall be held on such a day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation”!! Where in there is any instruction to first consult with GECOM?? The Constitution is just as clear about the role of GECOM in matters election. Art 161 (1) says they’re in charge of “registration of electors”, and “administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly”.

The only time they can get involved in elections dates is AFTER the President proclamation (Art 161). So, after jerking the Guyanese people around for months, Granger was unfrocked.

But even as he’s cornered and running out of wriggle room, Granger’s reflexively compelled to keep on jerking off the nation. First, he said that “the earliest date for elections is March 2, 2020,” but he had to return to Parliament to have the date for announcing this approved since Sept 18 was the drop-dead date!! For a lot of even his own supporters, this was the final straw since even they had been on tenterhooks with the growing tensions in the country. Never mind the US, the UK, the EU, the Commonwealth and every NGO worth its salt telling him to set a date!!

Finally, he was caught on tape telling some reporters March 2 WILL be the date…regardless!

Can we believe him this time?? Not this Eyewitness!

Fool me once, shame on me; fool me a hundred times??

Even if Granger issues a proclamation, expect a twist!! …on voters’ list GECOM announced that a “Claims and Objections” (C&O) will begin next Tuesday, Oct 1 on the Preliminary Voters List (PVL) extracted from the National Register of Registrants (NRR) of everyone over 18 years old. Now since the beginning of the year when the dust from the NCM was just settling, the Opposition’s been asking for just this.

Absolutely NOT, cried the PNC. That PVL was CONTAMINATED by the wily PPP and so a new H2H Registration was needed. That, of course, meant the PPP “contaminated” themselves out of office in 2015!! Anyhow, the H2H was launched by Patterson but truncated by his successor with 370,000 names registered in the absence of PPP scrutineers.

So what happens to these 370,000 names costing billions to collect, since in the C&O folks not on the old PVL can be added on??

There will be some nebulous “comparison” of the two lists. Does this mean “merging” is out? So what happens if 70,000 new named are discovered? A new C&O period of 48 days?

So whither March 2?? …on dual citizens When Carl Greenidge was outed as a dual citizen and forced to relinquish his portfolio as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Granger promptly baptised him as “Foreign Secretary”.

Who does he think he’s fooling?

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

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9

SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C to roll out campaign in all regions – Jagdeo …scrutineers to be dispatched to witness electoral activities

A

s the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) announces their plans for the Guyanese people amid the upcoming elections, campaigning will also be done extensively in all communities to highlight some of the projects that will be undertaken under their governance.

This was announced by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent press conference, where he signalled their draft of developmental plans for several years. While there have been protest actions on their part to ensure constitutional adherence, he said their focus is positioned towards the common man.

“We’re happy that we’re moving forward. The PPP will start aggressively to campaign because we want people to hear what our plans are for the next few years. We will review.

We will see how we go and our strategy to protest the Government will be under review but we are not a party of protest,” he noted.

Jagdeo, who is also the party’s General Secretary, said they will venture out into every region and the wider communities to meet and engage the public. The party intends to put forward the plans they have outlined and how they will benefit the population.

“We’re more comfortable talking about development. We want to carry that message in every corner of this country and we want the people to see

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

and understand the plans for the next five years and how all of them will benefit from these plans. We want to go [out to] every region and every community to talk to people about this.

That’s where we would like to take the campaign.”

At a previous press conference, he had assured that the PPP would work for all Guyanese regardless of their race, religion, or geographic location.

However, it was noted that the party’s political opponents have always painted them as pro-Indian – an area where not enough was done in order to change or tackle this perception.

This time around, they will be seeking to end this stereotype by further broadening their base.

Already, he had said, the PPP has gained significant backing from new supporters.

A number of valid developments have been promised in the party’s manifesto, which was released some time ago. Their plans have tackled areas which have seen mass outcries from the Guyanese public.

The education sector under the PPP Administration is said to be geared towards improved access, quality, affordability and preparing Guyanese students at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and tertiary levels.

This is to ensure that they secure better-paying jobs in line with the requirement of the economy.

Prominent among these would be the delivery of free education at the University of Guyana (UG) and enhanced access through the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Previously, it was explained that free universi-

ty education would not be available initially but within two or three years as they work out the details of this policy initiative. The party had also announced plans to give out 20,000 online scholarships, which will help with private education especially in courses that are not offered by UG. Meanwhile, as it relates to the power woes, the PPP has also committed that the resuscitation of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project would be among its top priorities for the energy sector.

To this end, the General Secretary said that the PPP Administration will move onto a gas pow-

er plant, which it believes could be done easily. To this end, the General Secretary said that the PPP Administration will move onto a gas power plant, which it believes could be done easily. However, while this will bring another 20 megawatts into the system, he stressed that it will not come into fruition until maybe 2021. As such, they will have to rely on fossil fuel initially to stabilise power supply in the country and bring an end to the constant blackouts.

As they campaign alongside the elections preparations, the Opposition Leader said they will dispatch officials to scrutinise

activities under the Guyana Elections Commission. On October 1, the Commission will embark on the Claims and Objections period – a process that would be under watch by their scrutineers.

“GECOM has decided now to move forward with preparations and Claims and Objections will start on 1st October. A preliminary list of electors will be extracted from the current NRR and posted all across the country. We are going to put in place our scrutineers because that is the right place where you get registered if you are not on the voters’ list,” he informed.

10 news

SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CANU rank fired for placing illegal substance in passenger’s luggage at CJIA …incident caught on video

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he spotlight has once again been placed on the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), this time for one of its ranks placing an illegal substance in the bag of a female passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) earlier this week.

On Friday, CANU stated that it was in receipt of the video circulating on social media, which displayed law enforcement officers conducting themselves “in an unprofessional manner”.

As such, an investigation was launched into the

matter, and the agency confirmed that one of the ranks is an employee of CANU and that there was a serious breach of CANU’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

According to CANU, consequent to the findings of the investigation, recommendations for the immediate dismissal of the officer in question have been forwarded to the Ministry of Public Security.

“CANU strives at all times to operate professionally with a high level of integrity and all officers

are afforded the necessary training to perform their duties in accordance with the Unit’s SOPs and are encouraged to maintain the expected standard of integrity.

Therefore, any officer found with conduct inimical to the Unit’ policies, will be dealt with condignly,” the release stated.

However, CANU noted that the conduct of the officer in question “does not reflect what the Unit stands for and should not be used as an indicator of the conduct of the many hardworking and professional Officers of the Unit who daily perform their duties with a high

level of integrity”.

Earlier this week, a video was posted to social media by a female passenger, loudly denying being in the possession of any illegal substance.

In the video, the CANU rank was pleading with the female passenger to speak to him in a quiet tone and to desist from recording the incident. However, the woman insisted that she speak with his supervisor. However, the CANU rank instead asked the woman to return to her seat and not speak to his supervisor about the matter.

Shortly after, the female passenger posted the video

on her social media account and alleged that the CANU rank had a small plastic bag with what appeared to be an illegal substance that he claimed he found in her bag.

However, it was when she started questioning him and proceeded to video record his actions and responses, he apparently panicked and let her return to her seat to await her flight.

Less than six months ago, in the month of April, a United States-based woman alleged that she was asked to strip naked and squat by officers at CANU. Ayana Adams, who is Guyanese by birth and a US citizen, was in the process of returning to New York on a Caribbean Airlines flight after vacationing in her homeland.

At that time, her lawyer, Siand Dhurjon, told the media that his client had been told that she would have to undergo a “thorough scan”. “…and that she needed to take off her clothes. She

protested, of course. And she asked what the problem is.

And they said it’s just procedure”.

He had related that she reluctantly took off her jump suit, leaving just her bra and underwear. The Attorney said that the agents were not satisfied, demanding that she take off all her clothes, squat and cough as they needed to check “her abdomen and her guts”.

“She protested and said she wanted to see the supervisor. And then some man came and said this is the procedure. And this is what you’ll have to do, or else we will have to take you to go and do an X-Ray”.

Dhurjon explained that his client’s reason for not wanting to squat was because she was experiencing her menstrual cycle, a fact that was explained to the CANU officers to no avail.

He said they insisted on her going through the procedure.

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SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Int’l community pledges technical support for free & fair elections in Guyana

UK High Commissioner Gregory Quinn

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ow that President David Granger has identified March 2, 2020, as the date of the elections, the international com-

munity has pledged to provide support to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as it carries out its mandate.

This was communicated in a joint statement that featured British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn, United States (US) Ambassador Sarah AnnLynch and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto.

Stressing the need for free and fair elections, the diplomats added that this support would take the form of “elections assistance and monitoring along with other colleagues in the international community”.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) also

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

hailed the announcement of an election date, acknowledging the support given from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo towards the date.

Fire destroys Corentyne house …2 homeless

What is left of the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) home

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wo persons are now homeless after fire destroyed their home at Lancaster, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Thursday afternoon.

The fire started around 17:00h.

Sharajie Issacs, called “Burnice”, 92, and her 28-year-old granddaughter were forced to watch as the flames ravaged their home.

Reports are that flames were first seen coming from one of the bedrooms in the upper flat.

According to persons in the area, it is suspected that the fire may have started after a power surge in the area.

However, initial reports from investigators stated that a child might have caused the fire.

Nonetheless, the woman’s son, Jerry, who lives next door, rubbishes those claims.

“They have their information wrong. No kid was playing with matches. The fire started on the east side on the upstairs and nobody was upstairs. Once we come down in the morning, nobody goes back upstairs until in the night to sleep. I don’t know how they get that. They told us that the fire start from a wire. I had just left and go back home and about fifteen minutes after I saw the fire. I see it

coming from two bedrooms on the east side,” Jerry, one of 14 siblings who grew up in the house, said.

At the time, Issacs and her granddaughter were in the lower flat.

Issacs, who returned from the United States two months ago, estimated millions of dollars in losses. She said that the building was not insured and they were unable to save anything.

However, a unit from the Rose Hall Town Fire Department was able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby houses.

An investigation has been launched.

The investigation is continuing.

Only last Wednesday, a utility pole in Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, also in the region, was on fire for about 20 minutes before GPL was able to take the power off, allowing the fire service to put out the blaze.

Residents in the neighbouring community reported that for months, they have been complaining to GPL about two black boxes on the post and frequent low voltages they have been experiencing.

According to one resident, when reports are made to GPL when the power is shut off in their house, a crew from the power company would come and fix the two

black boxes, and sometimes power would come back and only half of the house would have power.

“Those are the two boxes that causing the whole Vryman’s Ervin to have low voltage. Well now they will have to replace them and bring new ones,” the resident said. (Andrew Carmichael)

“In this vein, we take the opportunity to acknowledge the support of the Opposition Leader of the date. We now look forward to an incident-free process toward the holding of a free, transparent and credible elections,” the GMSA added.

After almost a year of procrastination following his Government’s defeat to a NoConfidence Motion, President David Granger on Wednesday announced March 2, 2020, as the “earliest possible” date for elections.

At the time, the President was under increasing pressure to name an election date; something he had promised to do after he was advised by GECOM. Granger was briefed by GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, that the agency would be able to hold elections at the end of February.

It was only on Monday that the Commonwealth became the latest in a line of organisations to urge the President to call elections immediately. Similar calls also came from the United States, British and European Union diplomatic representatives.

In his address to the nation, Granger had, however, noted that there will be a return to the National Assembly in order to seek an extension of time for his Government in office.

According to the President, 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 People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has repeatedly affirmed that it would not return to the National Assembly to grant the Government the two-thirds vote it needs to extend its life in power.

During an interview on a radio show, “The Hot Seat”,

Head of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto

on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed his belief that the real motive for the Government seeking an extension is to cover actions taken outside of the scope of a caretaker Government, during the months after it lost the no-confidence vote.

The President subsequently clarified that the election date will be March 2, 2020, whether the Opposition extends his Government’s life or not.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has put little faith in this, saying at a press conference that a signed proclamation will hold more weight.

Meanwhile, it was announced by GECOM on Tuesday last that Claims and Objections will start on October 1 – a necessary move towards having an Official List of Electors (OLE) to conduct elections.

At the time, it was announced that GECOM would engage the United States (US) and the Commonwealth to inform them of which observers they will be sending.

It was also announced that the exercise would last for 35 days, with the qualifying date to be eligible to vote being December 31.

That was turned on its head by a press release from GECOM on Friday, in which it was stated that the Claims and Objections exercise will actually last for 49 days. Additional criteria were imposed, such as the need for everyone to verify their registration regardless of whether they are registered registrants or not.

12 news

SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Entrepreneurs to vie for funding …as 2nd Business Development Forum launched

A section of the gathering at the launching of the Business Forum

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o mark their second consecutive year conducting the Business

Development Forum, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(GCCI) has announced the launching of a grant for entrepreneurs who can pres-

Welder jailed for robberies, escaping custody, assault

M

agistrate Dylon Bess on Friday handed down a total of five years’ imprisonment to 27-year-old Ceon Lampkin of Lot 33 Leopold Street, Georgetown, after sufficient evidence was found to convict him of five charges.

Lampkin was earlier this year charged for robbery, es-

caping lawful custody and assaulting two police officers.

The charges brought against him stated that on April 16, 2019, at Main Street, Georgetown, he attempted to commit a robbery on Jasira Allen. On the said day, at Main Street, Georgetown, he robbed Janoy DeSantos of a hand-

bag, among other items valued $13,000.

It was further stated that on the same date, while being transported from Brickdam to Diamond Police Station, Lampkin jumped out of the police vehicle at High Street, Georgetown, and tried to escape. He was, however, apprehended a short distance away.

During the incident, Lampkin assaulted two police officers and attempted to relieve one of the ranks of his service weapon. The man was then shot in his left side abdomen by the police rank during the attack.

Lampkin was sentenced to serve three years for the robbery charge, 18 months for the attempted robbery, and six months for escaping lawful custody. He was also fined $20,000 for the assault charges. Failure to pay the fine will result in him spending six months in prison.

ent the best business plan.

The forum, which is in its second consecutive year, was launched under the theme ‘Evolve your brand; fuel your finance’.

At the launch, GCCI Vice President Timothy Tucker made the announcement of the grant, which entrepreneurs in the room would have to vie for. In order to be picked, however, their plans will first have to be evaluated by a GCCI panel.

“This year, the GCCI is pleased to announce the launch of its small business division fund. There will be a grant of $300,000, to target an individual, with a small business idea, who would like to see it come to fruition. So all those budding entrepreneurs and people studying their MBA’s and have a great business idea, will have an opportunity to sign up at this event,” Tucker said.

He added that the GCCI evaluation panel will anal-

GCCI Vice President Timothy Tucker

yse the applicants against a given set of criteria— including the business’ capability, potential for growth, profitability and environmental benefits. The winner will be announced within four weeks.

Tucker noted that beside the grant, winners will also receive technical support for their business growth from the GCCI. In addition, the winner of the grant will receive a year’s worth of free membership within the chambers.

The forum was first

launched last year. The two-day forum will conclude today. The GCCI partnered with organisations including the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), Republic Bank and the Business Ministry.

Among the speakers at the event are businessmen Rosh Khan and Vishnu Doerga, Rowen Willabus and Nigel Deosaran— who will deal with Initial Public Offerings (the act of putting company shares on the stock market).

Christopher Morris told the court that On September 27, the Virtual Complainant, who is a serving member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), arrived at his residence where his 29-year-old started to use abusive language towards him.

The court further heard, that after the VC ignored Derushe, he armed himself with a cutlass and knife and started to chase Goddett around the yard, whilst threatening to take his life.

A report was made at the Alberttown Police station

and Derushe was later arrested and charged for the offence.

The prosecutor objected to bail being on the grounds of the serious nature of the allegation and the penalty the charge attracts.

Prosecutor Morris further noted that Derushe was previously charged for threatening to kill his mother.

The magistrate, after listening to the facts, remanded Derushe to prison.

The case will continue on October 11.

Man remanded for threatening to kill brother

A

Q u e e n s t o w n , Georgetown man who was on Friday charged for chasing his sibling while being armed with a cutlass, landed himself on remand when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Delon Derushe denied that on September 27, at Queenstown, Georgetown, he made use of threatening language towards Rayon Goddett, his brother.

Police Prosecutor

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G

uyana, a country on South America’s North Atlantic coast, is defined by its dense rainforest. Englishspeaking, with cricket and calypso music, it's culturally connected to the Caribbean region. September in Guyana is tourism centric. However, this month is expected to see a lot more tourists as the local leg of the CPL matches and playoffs are right around the corner. It is for this reason our Special has featured some of the most exquisite hotels, among other businesses that guests can take advantage of.

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SATURday, september 28, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

news

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SATURday, september 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Children and Family Centre commissioned in Sophia …Centre is “1st stop” for children in need of care, operating 24/7— CCPA Director

I

n order to provide a sanctuary for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, while ensuring that the each child has opportunities for self-development, a $250 million Children and Family Centre was commissioned on Thursday.

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally at the commissioning stated that Centre will assist children at risk or in need of protective care and will offer an alternative to caregivers at risk for abandoning or placing their child in residential care.

“All children living at the Centre are expected to attend school or be enrolled at a day care if they have not attained school age.

Meanwhile, parents will be encouraged to work, attend a job training programme, seek housing and employment, and attend social service appointments,” Ally said.

She explained that there will be dedicated social workers functioning at the

One of the buildings in the Children and Family Centre compound that was commissioned on Thursday in Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown

facility, who will each be assigned to work with every family so as to create an individualised care plan that will address their unique needs.

“The family accommoda-

tion is temporary-transitional housing, meaning there must be an immediate plan to provide social work intervention and other assistance to the family for them to secure independent living ac-

commodation”.

Both children and family members housed there will become empowered towards “independence and self-sufficiency,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the Director

at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Greene, stated that having such a holding facility established is part of making a serious effort in preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families. It will also aid in the promotion of family-based care for minors.

“The new Children and Family Centre is the first stop for a child in difficult circumstances and will be accessible 24/7. It is a centre where children on arrival will be assessed to determine the needed assistance.

After the completion of the assessment stage, and if there is need for a longterm out of home care, family-based care such as the kinship and foster care will be the first option”.

According to Greene, there are small group homes that were developed to provide for the needs of juveniles who “come into contact” with the law. There are four dormitories to accommodate the children housed

at this facility—two for boys and two for girls.

The CCPA Director explained that this would ensure that the very young children are prevented from being around the older ones since the facility will house children who come from different backgrounds and for various reasons.

This Centre is located in Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

It has been established to house 80 individuals at a time and consists of seven buildings, which include the dormitory facilities for both boys and girls, living quarters for up to eight families, kitchen, dining room, administration building and training facilities.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said that the project was financed by remaining money from an Inter-American Development (IDB) loan which was granted under the People’s Progressive Party government.

St Kitts & Nevis PM blames developed countries for climate change

S

t Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris has accused developed countries of causing climate change saying their actions have resulted are now presenting a “clear and present danger to small and developing nations”.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Harris said that small island developing states (SIDS) like his are finding it difficult to attain the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) because governments “cannot focus on achieving such goals when the very existence of our countries and our peoples is constantly threatened.

“Let us be absolutely clear. Climate change is a product of developed nations' push for economic growth and industrialisation. For far too long and with far-reaching consequences, rich countries have been allowed to emit greenhouse gases unimpeded.

“Yet the brunt of climate change is borne by developing nations. Small states such as St Kitts and Nevis find themselves on the frontline of a war they did not start and do not want. This is unfair and unjust,” Harris told the international community.

He said people in developing countries will feel the impact first and worst because of vulnerable geography and lesser ability to cope with damage from severe weather and rising sea levels.

“So, we need and are owed support, solidarity and greater assistance. With increasing vociferousness, the leaders of the Caribbean and indeed of Small Island Developing States from every corner of our globe have

Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris

raised the issue of climate change and the grave and present danger that it presents to all of us”.

Harris said the developing countries are forced to speak out “because of the existential vulnerabilities that we suffer in the face of this growing threat”.

He recalled that two years ago, Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the United Nations after his island was battered by Hurricane Maria.

“Yesterday Dominica; Today the Bahamas. Every hit is more devastating than that which preceded it! Hurricane Maria passed over Dominica with extreme ferocity, killed 65 persons and wiped out 200 percent of GDP. Hurricane Dorian sat over part of the Bahamas chain and unleashed Armageddon with still unknown dead and incalculable destruction. We extend deepest sympathy to our brothers and sisters in the Bahamas,” Harris said, appealing to the international community to provide tangible expressions of solidarity and support to the Bahamas.

But he noted that with every disaster comes a crisis of conscience in the international community that results in pledges and promises but few are fulfilled.

Harris said he was joining his Caribbean colleague and St Lucia Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, in seeking the establishment of a SIDS Foundation for climate adaptation and mitigation.

“We are tired of those who posture as champions of our cause but substantially are promoters of their own conceit. We are tired of the agencies whose brokerage of climate funds is more centred on implementation fees than on adaptation impact.

“Rebuilding needs to start as soon as the disasters have passed, and we require a quicker process, which is sensitive to recovery. We are tired, Mr President, of empty promises. Now is the time for us to take hold of our own destiny. We are almost out of time, short of options and lost for patience.”

Prime Minister Harris said that the scientific community has further reinforced the Caribbean's call for limiting temperature

rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius if efforts at stabilising the global climate are to be successful.

“Exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius would mean ever increasing climate risks: extreme weather, sea level rise, increased poverty and a threat to hundreds of millions of lives. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius for SIDS is not optional. It is a matter of our collective survival.”

In his address, Harris followed his Jamaican counterpart, Andrew Holness and called for concessionary financing for Caribbean coun-

tries to meet their socio-economic goals.

“The unfair practice of categorising countries based on their per capita GDP (gross domestic product) and denying their access to concessionary funding continues to pose a major challenge to our quest to achieve the sustainable development goals and our economic development,” Harris said, adding “we continue to demand that consideration be given to our vulnerability to internal and external shocks”.

He said a similar call was being made regarding

the protection of the oceans, adding: “in the face of global warming, we need a blue strategy to preserve and protect what is so important to our food security, the livelihoods of our fisher folks, our economic growth and development.

“There is huge untapped economic potential in our seas, and this needs to be protected and nurtured.

“Put simply, we need to protect the Ocean. I call on the developed countries of the UN to offer their support to smaller countries so that together we can protect and nurture our planet.” (CMC)

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saturday, september 28, 2019

Regional

IDB wants to reduce plastic use in Latin America, Caribbean

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched an Open Innovation Challenge that seeks to find the most innovative solutions that substantially reduce or eliminate single-use plastic and plastic waste in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Plastics have changed industries across the globe from medicine to food and are ubiquitous in our daily lives. However, plastics have had immense adverse impacts on human and environmental health,” the IDB said in a statement.

It said that the production of plastics from fos-

sil fuels is the second largest and fastest growing contributor to industrial greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver of climate change.

“Worldwide, one million single-use plastic bottles are purchased every minute and five trillion single-use plastic bags are

used each year, and only a small fraction are recovered. With the majority ending up in our environment, plastic waste leaches toxic chemicals in fresh water supplies, soil, and marine ecosystems.”

The IDB said that the Latin American and the Caribbean region produces

more than 400 million tons of plastic waste every year and 36 per cent of it is single-use plastic.

“This is creating economic, environmental and health problems for generations to come. How consumers, businesses, and governments reduce or eliminate single-use plastic

and plastic waste is a critical development issue,” it said.

The Washington-based financial institution said that a number of countries in the region have instituted retail bans and taxes on plastic bags that have led to reductions in usage. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil environment: Vast oil spill hits dozens of T&T PM rings Nasdaq bell beaches

B

razilian officials are investigating the source of a vast oil spill that has hit dozens of beaches along the country’s north-eastern coast.

Analyses showed the oil found was of a type not produced in Brazil, the environmental agency Ibama said.

There is no evidence that fish and shellfish have been contaminated but at least six sea turtles and a seabird have been found dead.

A clean-up operation is under way in the areas af-

Oil puddles have been found on beaches across Brazil’s north-eastern coast

fected.

The spill, first detected on 2 September, spans over 1500km (932 miles)

and has been detected in 105 locations in eight states, affecting wildlife and popular beaches in-

cluding Praia do Futuro in Ceará, and Maragogi, in Alagoas.

Molecular analysis of the oil by Brazil’s state-run company Petrobras showed the crude oil spilled did not originate in the country, Ibama said in a statement (in Portuguese).

The test also determined the oil came from a single source which has not yet been identified.

Crude oil is tested before being exported to make sure it follows the standards of the refinery it is being sent to, and can be identified by its chemical elements, Reuters news agency reports. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Leader of Colombia’s Los Pelusos crime gang killed, President says

T

he top leader and founder of Colombia’s Los Pelusos crime gang has been killed in an operation led by the national Police, President Ivan Duque said on Friday.

The gang is one of the most well-known criminal organisations in the Andean country and involved in fighting that has

endangered hundreds of thousands of people in areas along the eastern border with Venezuela.

Luis Antonio Quintero, known by his alias Pacora, was a former leftist rebel who commanded some 440 gang members, the government said.

The 49-year-old was wanted on terrorism and murder charges and locat-

ed in Norte de Santander province on Thursday.

“It’s clear we are going to completely break up this group,” Duque said in a statement from the United States, where he traveled for the United Nations General Assembly this week.

Quintero was responsible for the killings of human rights activists and community leaders, the statement added.

Duque has faced criticism from some in the international community for not doing more to stop killings of activists from being committed with impunity across the country.

Another leader of Los Pelusos was captured in the operation, the statement added. It did not provide details about the circumstances of Quintero’s death. (Reuters)

Prime Minister Dr Rowley is surrounded by cheering people after he rang the bell to start the day’s trading at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday

T

rinidad & Tobago’s global stocks rose on Friday when Prime Minister Dr Rowley became the first Head of State from a Caribbean country to be invited to ring the bell to start the day’s trading at the New York Stock Exchange.

Rowley, who is in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and TT’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Pennelope Beckles, addressed Nasdaq from the podium.

In a brief address, Dr Rowley invited all to visit Trinidad and Tobago as he emphasised that TT is the largest Caribbean trading partner with the United States. He highlighted TT’s cultural and industrial strength in the

Caribbean and boasted about Trinidad’s chocolate as being among the very best in the world.

“Today is a very special day for us and we are particularly proud to have flown on Nasdaq’s board the red, white and black of Trinidad and Tobago, the benefit of an economy that serves Trinidad and Tobago and the world and we look forward to having a very close relationship with the United States and the people of the United States,” Rowley said.

The Prime Minister was then joined by other members of the visiting TT delegate as well as staff members of the TT Embassy in the US before Rowley pressed the button which rang the bell to commence the day’s trading. (T&T Newsday)

Haiti protests escalate as streets barricaded, Peru’s Vizcarra calls for vote of confidence as Police cars set on fire political crisis escalates

Protesters walk away after looting a Police station during a demonstration demanding the resignation of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti [Photo by: Reuters/Andres Martinez Casares]

H

aitians erected street barricades and set Police cars ablaze on Friday as protests intensified in the impoverished Caribbean na-

tion, after four people were killed in clashes in recent days.

Some protesters around the capital of Port-auPrince wielded weapons

while a special unit of the Haitian National Police was looted and patrol cars set on fire, witnesses reported.

Residents have been incensed for months at widespread fuel and food shortages, a weakening currency, double-digit inflation and graft accusations lodged against public officials, and many are calling for President Jovenel Moise to stand down.

Moise cancelled his speech at the United Nations General Assembly this week and made a rare address to the nation.

He suggested a unity government in the hope of calming tempers after a ruling-party senator fired a pistol to disperse a crowd, injuring a photo-journalist.

In another apparent attempt to lessen tensions, the Government replaced several security officials on Thursday.

Police spokesman Gary Desrosiers said four people were shot to death in demonstrations between September 16 and September 25. (Reuters)

Peru's President Martin Vizcarra addresses the nation at the government palace in Lima, Peru [Photo by: Peruvian Presidency/Handout]

P

eru’s centrist President Martin Vizcarra on Friday called for a vote of confidence over lawmakers’ proposed members for the Constitutional Tribunal, a move that would allow him to dissolve Congress if is denied.

In a televised speech from the presidential palace in downtown Lima, Vizcarra said Opposition lawmakers were intent on staying in office to shield them from criminal probes.

Vizcarra cannot run in the next general elections due to limits on consecutive terms.

In July, he proposed leaving office with lawmakers a year earlier than scheduled to end a protracted power struggle and rebuild trust with voters after back-to-back corruption scandals in recent years.

(The story corrects first sentence to show vote of confidence will be about proposed justices, not shelving of early-election proposal). (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, september 28, 2019

17

Around the World

Chandrayaan-2: India Moon probe made ‘hard landing’, says NASA

I

ndia’s Moon rover, which lost contact moments before it was to touch down on the lunar surface earlier this month, had a “hard landing”, Nasa has said.

New pictures from a NASA spacecraft show the targeted landing site of the Vikram rover, but its pre-

cise location “has yet to be determined”.

The images were taken at dusk, and were not able to locate the lander.

India would have been the fourth nation to make a soft landing on the Moon.

Chandrayaan-2 was due to touch down at the lunar South Pole on

September 7, over a month after it first took off.

It approached the Moon as normal until an error occurred about 2.1km (1.3 miles) from the surface, Indian space officials said.

On Friday NASA tweeted the images of the targeted landing site of the Indian module.

NASA said the targeted site was located about 600km (370 miles) from the South Pole in a “relatively ancient terrain”. “[The agency’s] Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) passed over the landing site on September 17 and acquired a set of high-resolution images of

the area; so far the team has not been able to locate or image the lander,” the space agency said in a statement.

“It was dusk when the landing area was imaged and thus large shadows covered much of the terrain; it is possible that the Vikram lander is hiding in

a shadow. The lighting will be favourable when LRO passes over the site in October and once again attempts to locate and image the lander.”

India’s first Moon mission - Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 carried out the first and most detailed search for water on the lunar surface using radars. (Excerpt from BBC News)

‘Used and dehumanised’: Dozens of boys found British tanker arrives chained in Nigeria in Dubai after 10-week detention in Iran M ore than 300 boys and men, some as young as five and many in chains and bearing scars from beatings, have been rescued in a raid on a building that purported to be an Islamic school in northern Nigeria, Police said on Friday.

Most of the freed captives seen by a Reuters reporter in the city of Kaduna were children, aged up to their late teens. Some shuffled with their ankles manacled and others were chained by their legs to large metal wheels to prevent escape.

One boy, held by the hand by a police officer as he walked unsteadily, had sores visible

on his back that appeared consistent with injuries inflicted by a whip.

Some children had been brought from neighbouring countries including Burkina Faso, Mali and Ghana, Police said, while others had been left by their parents in what they believed to be an Islamic school or rehabilitation centre.

“This place is neither a rehab or an Islamic school because you can see it for yourselves,” Kaduna state’s Police Commissioner, Ali Janga, told reporters. “The children gathered here are from all over the country... some of them were even chained. They were used, dehumanised, you can see it

T

People with chained legs are pictured after being rescued from a building in the northern city of Kaduna, Nigeria September 26, 2019, in this grab obtained from a video

yourself.”

Kaduna Police spokesman Yakubu Sabo said seven people who said they were teachers at the school had been arrested in Thursday’s raid.

“The State Government

is currently providing food to the children who are between the ages of five and above,” he said. It was not clear how long the captives had been held there.

House Democrats subpoena Pompeo for Ukraine documents Democrats in the US House of Representatives who are pursuing an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump issued a subpoena on Friday to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for documents concerning contact with the Ukrainian Government.

Following a whistleblower complaint that Republican President Donald Trump solicited a political favour from Ukraine’s President that could help him get re-elected, the lawmakers are pursuing concerns that Trump’s actions have jeopardised national security and the integrity of US elections.

The House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight Committees which announced

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attends an event hosted by the US Department of State’s Energy Resources Governance Initiative at the Palace Hotel on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, New York, US, September 26, 2019

the subpoena also scheduled depositions for five State Department officials over the next two weeks, including former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch,

Ambassador Kurt Volker, the US Special Representative for Ukraine, and Ambassador Gordon Sondland, the US Ambassador to the European Union.

The committees announced the subpoenas after the Trump Administration missed a Thursday deadline to provide documents and information about contacts with Ukrainian officials, as well as a July 25 telephone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

That call is central to an impeachment investigation that Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the Democratic-led House of Representatives, announced this week.

The White House this week released a summary of Trump’s July 25 phone call where he asked Zelenskiy to investigate his Democratic rival Joe Biden ahead of the November 2020 election - a call at the heart of the whistleblower’s complaint. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Hong Kong protesters denounce Police ahead of flashpoint weekend

T

housands of Hong Kong protesters rallied at the harbourside on Friday, chanting slogans accusing the police of brutality and setting the stage for a weekend of demonstrations leading up to the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

The downtown rally was one of a series of protests that have united activists denouncing Chinese rule, calling for democracy and even for independence from Beijing, often resulting in violent clashes with police in the former British colony.

Activists have targeted Police over more than three months with petrol bombs,

rocks and laser shone in their eyes, furious at social media footage of random beatings, especially one night against protesters cowering on the floor of a subway train.

Police have responded with teargas, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds fired into the air.

The protesters gathered at a park on reclaimed land in Anti-Government protesters attend a rally at Edinburgh Place to front of Central Government show solidarity for arrested political activists being held at San Uk Ling Detention Centre in Hong Kong, China September 27, 2019 offices on Friday night calling logue” session with the people for an investigation into the re- protesters.

One officer told reporters on Thursday, said she would mote San Uk Ling camp near the Chinese border where they last week that some officers not accede to protesters’ desay detained protesters were had overstepped the line when mands for an independent indealing with protesters. quiry into Police action. She abused, a claim Police deny.

Hong Kong leader Carrie did not explain why. (Excerpt from Police said the camp was Reuters) no longer being used to hold Lam, in the first “open dia-

he British-flagged Stena Impero tanker arrived at Dubai’s Port Rashid on Friday after sailing out of Iranian waters, according to Refintiv shipping data, after it was detained in July during a row with Britain that has stoked tensions in the Gulf.

The Stena Impero left Iran’s Bandar Abbas port on Friday morning bound for Dubai, where the crew will be repatriated, the vessel’s Swedish operator Stena Bulk said, after being detained for 10 weeks.

The ship was seized

by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, for alleged marine violations two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. The Iranian ship was released in August.

“It reached interna-

tional waters,” Stena Bulk Chief Executive Erik Hanell told Reuters in a text message after the Stena Impero began sailing, adding that the ship’s master “reported that all crew members are safe and in high spirits following release.”

The seizure of the ship ratcheted up tension after attacks in May and June on other merchant vessels in Gulf waters, which the United States blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denied.

The Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran in the country’s southern Hormozgan Province said the ship started to move out from Bandar Abbas at 9 am Iran time (0530 GMT).

But it said the judicial file on the vessel remained open and the process of looking into “violations” by the ship was ongoing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Protests break out across Egypt demanding el-Sisi’s resignation

P

rotests have broken out in parts of Egypt with demonstrators calling for the departure of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi amid a high security alert.

Following Friday prayers in the Warraq area in Giza governorate, demonstrators chanted slogans calling for the resignation of el-Sisi and raised slogans condemning the deterioration of living conditions in the country as well as the spread of corruption.

Witnesses and security sources said Police fired tear gas to disperse up to 1000 protesters that were shouting “Leave Sisi”, reported Reuters news agency.

In Cairo, security forces closed off entrances to Tahrir Square, the hub of the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Hosni Mubarak. There was a heavy police presence around the square and at some junctions in the city centre.

Simultaneously, pro-Sisi demonstrations were also taking place in Alexandria, north Egypt.

Security forces also stepped up their presence in main squares in major cities and plainclothes police have been checking motorists’ and pedestrians’ mobile phones for political content.

Earlier, Egypt’s President played down a call for protests against his rule, saying there were “no reasons for concern” even as the army and the police tightened security in the capital.

Rights groups said nearly 2000 people have been arrested so far in a broad crackdown following last week’s small but rare demonstrations against el-Sisi, who took power in a 2013 coup.

In a brief statement on Thursday, Egypt’s Ministry of Interior warned it would “confront any attempt to destabilise social peace in a firm and decisive way”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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guyanatimesgy.com

Saturday, september 28, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Someone’s actions and words will offer insight into his or her motives. Don’t be judgmental, but do protect your reputation and question the relationship you have with this person.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Discipline and hard work will pay off. Changes can be made that will help you gain strength and give you the courage to try something new. Strive for perfection.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Relax and think about what’s happened or what you want to initiate. You’ll face opposition from someone who wants to meddle in your affairs. Don’t reveal secrets or personal information.

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.

Take on a challenge or do something that will make you feel good. Spending time with a loved one or starting a routine that will help you look your best is favored.

Look, see and do. Turn a negative into a positive.

Fortitude and courage will help you bring about positive change. Let go of the past and embrace the future.

Address issues that bother you. If you are blunt about what you want to see happen, you will find out who is willing to help you and who isn’t.

Don’t get involved in someone else’s affairs. An emotional situation will surface if you get together with people you haven’t seen for some time. Avoid drama.

- A positive attitude will SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23make a difference when Dec. 21) you’re dealing with people who are looking for a fight.

When all else fails, know enough to walk away from discord. Romance is favored.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Pay close attention to what others say and do.

Don’t overreact, but be wary of being misinformed or drawn into something that could disrupt your life or a meaningful relationship.

Take a look at investment opportunities and expand your interests, skills and knowledge. A family estate or settlement should be handled with care. A personal commitment should be honored.

Offer help, but within reason. It’s essential to stick to what you feel comfortable spending or doing. Don’t feel guilty if you must step back.

saturday, september 28, 2019

19

CPL 2019…

Keeping hope alive ꟷ Barbados Tridents, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in desperate tussle for playoff spot

T

he 25th match of the Caribbean Premier League 2019 tournament will be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados today, September 28. The two teams doing battle therein are the Barbados Tridents and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who both absolutely need to win this match if they are to turn the tide of fortune in their favour and be counted among the top contenders in the

have.

From nine games, the Patriots have four wins and five losses. They have eight points and a net run rate of -0.172.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have won four of the last five matches played between these two teams. However, in the last game, chasing a big target of 187, the Patriots lost their way and fell short by 18 runs.

Nevis Patriots with 237 runs from 8 matches.

Laurie Evans and Fabian Allen have also contributed, while Rayad Emrit and Sheldon Cottrell have picked up 9 and 8 wickets respectively for this team.

playoff matches.

Having won three but lost four of their seven matches, the Barbados Tridents have six points and a net run rate of +0.551. They will be up against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, who are placed just above them. However, the Tridents have a huge advantage over the Patriots in that they have played two matches less than they

Having scored the quickest half-century in CPL history in the last game, JP Duminy has now become the highest run-scorer for the Barbados Tridents with 218 runs from 7 games. Johnson Charles has also scored more than 200 runs, and Jason Holder has picked up the most wickets, with 10 scalps from seven games.

Evin Lewis is the top-scorer for St Kitts and

Probable playing XI of both teams Barbados Tridents: Johnson Charles, Alex Hales, Justin Greaves, Jean-Paul Duminy, Shakib Al Hasan, Jonathan Carter, Jason Holder, Roshon Primus, Ashley Nurse, Harry Gurney, Raymon Reifer.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Devon Thomas, Evin Lewis, Laurie Evans, Mohammad Hafeez, Shamarh Brooks, Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen, Keron Cottoy, Rayad Emrit, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiah Louis.

Match Predictions* - PrePlay Who will win the toss? -- Barbados Tridents.

Who will win? -- St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Top batsman (runs scored) for Barbados Tridents: Jean-Paul Duminy. Top batsman (runs scored) for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Evin Lewis.

Top bowler (wickets taken) for Barbados Tridents: Jason Holder. Top bowler (wickets taken) for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Rayad Emrit.

Most sixes scored for Barbados Tridents: Jean-Paul Duminy. Most sixes scored for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: Evin Lewis.

Team scores batting first: Barbados Tridents 170+, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 175+.

New York National Cricket League Finals…

Sarah Taylor quits international cricket Red hot Bachan team succumb

ꟷ owing to problems with anxiety

to Richmond Hill Liberty team

ngland wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has announced her retirement from international cricket as she continues her battle with anxiety.

The 30-year-old Taylor, inaugural winner of the Guardian’s Woman Cricketer of the Year Award in 2018, made her England debut in 2006, and went on to make 226 appearances as she earned a reputation of being one of the world’s finest players.

Taylor’s anxiety has affected her ability to enjoy the game in recent years, and it is for that reason that she has decided to step away from the international arena.

She said: “This has been a tough decision, but I know it’s the right one for me and for my health moving forward.

I can’t thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being

ction in the New York National Cricket League concluded on Sunday September 22 with the red hot Bachan Cricket Club doing battle with the Richmond Hill Liberty Cricket Club in the highly anticipated grand finale.

Shockingly, Bachan CC went down to the Richmond Hill Liberty CC by 8 wickets in this 30-over affair that was played at the Baisley Pond Park in Queens, New York.

Richmond Hill Liberty won the toss and elected to bowl first, having intent to capitalise on pitch conditions. Their strategy paid off, because they were able to bowl out the Bachan team for a miserly 149 scored in 28.1 overs.

Bachan had been in top form for this entire competition, but on the day of the finals Richmond got the better of them; and after having a brilliant start -- with Guyanese Derick Narine spanking a 32ball 50 that included 4 maximums and 4 boundaries -- the rest of the innings simply fell away to the point where their next best scores were 28 and 20, scored by Beejai Somai and Mark Tyrell respectively.

No other batsman could withstand the Richmond Hill bowling onslaught, as

E

Sarah Taylor

supporters and friends along my journey.

“Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true, and I have been blessed with so many great moments throughout my career. From making my debut in 2006 to Ashes wins, and of course the World Cup final at Lord’s, to name just a few.

“I’ve also been blessed with travelling the world and making lifelong friends along the way. To be right in the thick of women’s cricket as it’s gone from strength to strength – not only in England, but across the world – has been an amazing experience, and I can look back on what women’s cricket has achieved with great pride at playing some small part in it.

“The England girls are role models on and off the field, and they have undoubtedly inspired – and will continue to inspire – so many young people to take up the game, girls and boys. I can’t wait to see the heights that this team can reach.

“I am extremely proud of my career. I leave with my head held high and with excitement for what my future holds and what my next chapter brings.” (Excerpted from the Guardian)

A

Terrence Madramootoo bagged 3-26; Moin Khan 2-33; and Tegana McKenzie, Dino Chooweenam, Leon Mohabir and Michael Sultan each bagged a wicket.

The Bachan team set Richmond Hill Liberty 150 for victory, and were perchance not overly worried, as in the past they had defended low totals and emerged comfortable victors.

But Sunday September 22 was just not their day, as Richmond Hill raced to the target in 15.3 overs and ended their innings on 151-2.

The opening pair of Dino Chooweenam and Francis Mendonca got things going in a nice partnership before Mendonca fell for 21.

Chooweenam carried the innings despite a couple of wickets falling around him, and was eventually run out for a 29-ball 78 which included 5 boundaries and 9 towering maximums.

With the damage already done, it was a little too late for Bachan CC to stem the Liberty flow, and Azeemuddin Khan with 17 and Michael Sultan with 27 took their team across the line to hand the Richmond Hill Liberty team the title.

Derick Narine’s quick-fire half century was unable to save his Bachan side

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturday, september 28, 2019

Ontario Round-arm Softball Cricket Association’s 9th T20I tourney…

Masters CC defeat Cambridge Jaguars in tense finale ꟷ Doodnauth, Jhappan joint MVP

T

he Ontario Roundarm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) staged the grand finale of its ninth T20I softball cricket tournament at the picturesque Lancaster Park field in Mississauga on Sunday September 22.

There, in glorious sunshine and a cool breeze that made for comfortable temperature, the Masters Cricket Club defeated the Cambridge Jaguars in a tense see-saw battle that saw the Jaguars stage two rearguard actions before finally going down by 4 wickets.

As they swayed to the sweet music being played between overs, the large crowd of vocal spectators cheered lustily for every boundary scored and every wicket taken; and above the din was colourful commentary by none other than the inimitable Aftab Shamsudeen.

All this made for ample proof that roundarm softball

recreational cricket is on the rise. This match represented the 9th finals being staged by the ORSCA; which started with just 10 teams, and progressed to this year with registration closing at 27 teams, and next year’s goal being set at getting 32 teams to participate.

It was a star-studded match-up between Masters CC and Cambridge Jaguars, and some notable former Guyana and Canada players were featured. Although the Cambridge Jaguars gave of their best in this tense contest, the Masters held their nerves, with the experience of those former national players proving to be the vital ingredient that made them prevail by four wickets.

The ceremony to open the contest was performed

by ORSCA President, Mr. Arvin Persaud.

The umpires for the match were longstanding O R S C A members M i t c h Bacchus and

Scenes from the ORSCA final

Sanjeev Ramnarine. The other match officials included scorers Kay Sukdeo and Mo Nazir; linesmen Trevor Chakalall, Dinesh Ajodha, Neilon Williams

BCB/Stag Beer 50 Overs First Division Tournament Round 2…

RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Upper Corentyne, Skeldon Titans, Tucber Park among winners

and Wasim Saffar; musician DJ Munir Bashir, and roving photographer Shaun Roberts.

Masters captain Mark Nazir won the toss and immediately elected to field. This decision proved correct, as Cambridge Jaguars were reduced to 22 for 5 in 7 overs, and then 42 for 6 in 10 overs.

Although Amzad Haniff started the destruction, it was the young, pacy 17-year-old teenager Sachin who delivered the telling blows to the Jaguars’ batting lineup. Playing his first season in ORSCA, Sachin bowled fast, flat and accurately to remove former Albion players Roopnarine Lalbehari (C) and Zulfikar Rozan in a spell wherein defense was the only option.

However, former BVI player Vijay Jhappan was able to weather the storm before

unleashing some lusty blows on the bowling. Striking 11 huge sixes in a game-changing partnership with Jerry Pooran, Vijay scored 87 runs to see the Jaguars to 163 in their allotted 20 overs.

For the Masters, Amzad Haniff, Satrohan (Sachin) Doodnauth and Mark Nazir each took two wickets.

Aided by some wayward bowling and poor fielding from the Jaguars, Masters started their chase positively, former Guyana youth player Eyaaz Mohamed and Imran Ali putting on 40 runs before Imran was run out.

Azam Haniff struck 6 sixes in a breezy 42 that added impetus to the chase, and although star batsman Bobby Budhram fell cheaply, Masters were well placed at 141 for 5 in 13 overs.

Anil Ramoutar (31) and

Kumar Doodnauth (17) were in total control of the game before Jaguars staged another determined fightback, Jerry Pooran and Mahendra Jaipersaud conceding just 10 runs in 5 overs while reaping two wickets in the process.

Eventually Mark Nazir (C) and Abdool Samad (former Canada national player) saw Masters home, to send their many supporters and large camp into joyful celebration as they lifted the trophy for the first time after some previous attempts.

The MVP honours in this finale were shared by Satrohan Doodnauth (bowling), who provided the opening salvo for Masters in his spell of 2 for 15 from 4 overs, and Vijay Jhappan (batting), who kept Jaguars in the hunt with a measured but devastating knock of 87.

GAICO Construction Grand Prix Chess Tournament…

Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour team rocking their new First Division kit

R

ose Hall Town Thunderbolt Four, Upper Corentyne, Skeldon Titans, Tucber Park and Police were the victorious teams in the second round of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Stag Beer 50 Overs First Division tournament.

Tucber Park defeated Blairmont Community Centre at the Cotton Tree Ground; Skeldon Titans breezed past Port Mourant; Upper Corentyne created a major upset against powerhouse Albion Community Centre, while Police played well as a unit to arrest Rose Hall Canje.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground, Young Warriors Cricket Club won the toss and batted first, scoring 168 all out in 48 overs. Linden Austin contributed 25, Alex Algoo 23, and Kassim Khan 34. Keith Simpson took 3 for 31, Junior Sinclair took 2 for 28, and Eon Hooper took 2 for 25.

RHT Thunderbolt Flour scored 170 for 4 in 30 overs. Delbert Hicks made 106 not out (8 fours, three sixes). Eon Hooper made 35 not out. Trevlon Stanislaus took 4 for 24 (8 overs).

At the Cotton Tree Ground, Tucber Park Cricket Club, on the back of a brilliant all-round performance from Damion Vantull, defeated Blairmont Community Centre by four wickets.

Blairmont Community Centre made 143 all out in 30.5 overs, with Marvin Prashad contributing 26, Nigel Deodat 16, W. Inshan 27, and Kevin Jahawir 31. Nial Smith took 2 for 24, Leon Swammy 2 for 23, Kwesi Mickle 2 for 36, and Damien Vantull 3 for 13.

Tucber Park scored 146 for 6 in 24 overs. Maxi

De Jonge made 38, Clifton Lindie made 35, and Damien Vantull made 30 not out. Nigel Deodat took 3 for 43, and Seon Glasgow 3 for 38.

At the Crabwood Creek Ground, Skeldon defeated Port Mourant by 7 wickets. Port Mourant Cricket Club made 151 all out in 36 overs; Tristan Ramsarran made 52 not out, M. Ranato 20, and Mahendra Boodram 17. Wayne Garnette took 5 for 28, Zeikel Gordon 2 for 20, and Kevin Clarke 2 for 45.

Skeldon Titans made 156 for 3 in 16.2 overs. Trishan Ramdass and Kevin Clarke each contributed 38, and Errington Seegobin made 57 not out. Arif Chan, S. Khan and Rampersaud Ramnauth each took a wicket for Port Mourant.

At the No. 69 Ground, Upper Corentyne created a major upset with a victory over Albion Community Centre by 15 runs. Upper Corentyne made 111 all out in 28 overs, with Lakeram Latchman contributing 30. Albion Community Centre scored 96 all out in 19 Overs, with Gudakesh Motie contributing 20, while Virendra Gooniah took 3 for 20 and Stephen Embrack 4 for 15.

At Canje Ground, Police Sports Club got the better of Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club by 2 wickets. Rose Hall Com Centre scored 194 all out in 37 overs. M. Veersammy made 43, Ameer Rahaman 22, and J. Wartman 3 for 28. Grisean Grant took 3 for 7.

Police Sports Club made 195 for 8 from 29 overs. Z. Hussain took 2 for 34, Isaiah Thorne took 2 for 49, and B. Ramsarran took 2 for 23.

Taffin Khan prevails over Nathoo, remains unbeaten ꟷ tourney concludes this weekend

Part of the action

C

andidate Master and former National Champion Taffin Khan outplayed his closest rival, Loris Nathoo, on Wednesday to secure the sole leadership position in the GAICO Construction Grand Prix Chess Tournament being played at the National Racquet Centre.

The tense fourth-round encounter between these two top players ended when Nathoo conceded defeat after 34 moves. Khan is now on four points after recording four straight wins.

Former National Champion Wendell Meusa is his

next main opponent in line with three and a half points.

The remaining three of the seven rounds will be played this weekend, and the winners in both the Junior and Senior categories will be announced, including the Best Female Player.

The tournament attracted six players from the distaff side.

This inaugural tournament is the first in a series to attract the best chess players to represent Guyana at the 2020 Chess Olympiad in Russia.

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NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY

Griffith set to defend 15th annual Laparkan Holdings title G

uyana’s top cyclists will battle today, Saturday September 28, in the 15th annual Laparkan Holdings 11-Race Cycle programme at the National Park on Thomas Lands from 09:00h.

Today’s feature event is a 35-lap schoolboys and invitational race.

Hassan Mohammed, the champion organizer for cycling, is again involved in today’s event, and Laparkan Human Resources Manager Lynette Shivlochan will grace the event with her presence to distribute prizes to the top cyclists.

Defending champion of the Laparkan Holdings race, Christopher Griffith of Team Evolution, will be aiming to successfully defend his title, but the ‘Bad’ Johns, Briton and Jamual (not related), may have other plans for that title.

Besides, Curtis Dey, Andre Hicks, Andre Green, Christopher Griffith, Marcus Keiler and Kemuel Moses will also be looking to upset Griffith in his title defence. Paul De Nobrega and Michael Anthony, also big names in cycling, will be looking to regain momentum after being out-ofform in the circuits.

In the 2018 event, Team Evolution’s Griffith won the 35-lap schoolboys and invitational race in the

Recent action in the National Park

highly competitive time of one hour 18 minutes 32 seconds; David Hicks won the 12-14 boys category, while

veteran Leer Nunes won the veterans Under-50 category.

Donovan Fraser

T

he Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA) Inc and the Outdoor Store and Pet Shop have collaborated to host the 2nd Annual “Kick Out Prostate Cancer” Awareness Veteran’s Football Festival, said to commence tomorrow at the GFC ground at noon.

Being held under the theme “Kick out Prostate Cancer, Keep Men in the Game”, this day of action will see Pele FC, Thomas United FC, Club 45 FC, Wales FC, Park Rangers and others battle for supremacy.

In an interview with this publication, ABSAA Outreach Manager Junior Forrester said, “Awareness events are critical to rais-

Unfortunately, the fact that prostate cancer is a male disease complicates the benefits of early detection. Notoriously reluctant to visit doctors and get checkups, men can often delay a checkup, even with the presence of symptoms or risk factors. This delay can make a treatable case of prostate cancer into one that is more difficult to beat. Prostate cancer affects more and more men as they get older.

“Promote regular screenings and checkups (for) every adult male in your community with Prostate Cancer Awareness items and educational tools. A reminder will help motivate even stubborn men to make an appointment with their physician. Hand out to other fam-

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

clinched the juvenile class, Quincy Punch won the mountain bike category, Neshawn Rigby won the

BMX 6-9 category, and Shaquille Dow won the BMX 9-12 and 12-14 categories.

ABSAA, Outdoor Store & Bartica Football Association…

Marslowe calls for sponsors Pet Shop host one-day to “come on board” football festival

COPIES OF THE

on

21

ing funds and educating the public on diseases, many of which can be prevented or treated early.

“Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that can be highly treatable if discovered early. The phrase ‘Early Detection is the Best Protection’ applies in the case of prostate cancer almost more than any other form of cancer.

ily members to educate them and help them.”

Forrester is thus encouraging all men to get checked, and visit a cancer booth to learn more about prostate cancer.

Among the sponsors on board are the ABSAA, Outdoor Store and Pet Shop, GFF, Trophy Stall and the Cancer Institute of Guyana.

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Bartica Football Association (BFA) has been employing its best efforts in trying to take football in that region to the next level. In this regard, President of the BFA, Alden Marslowe, and his team of dedicated officials are now looking to get sponsors to buy in to this initiative in order that football in Bartica might benefit from improvement.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Marslowe had this to say about the situation in regard to sponsors: “Sponsorship is our second tragedy. So far for the year, (there has been) zero corporate input. We managed to run off our leagues entirely with financial support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

“We are now reaching out again to businesses in a bid to promote an under-20 league.

Anything would be better than what we have seen so far.

Everyone wants to be a part of a good thing, but it comes around again to facilities.

“Businesses told me straight that they won't have much visibility at our current venue.

They want to see us drawing crowds at the main ground, and then people will buy in to our programmes.

“Bartica people like night action. If we have our ground back, then everything will improve.”

Marslowe said it should also be known that the River’s View Community commissioned a new and excellent playfield as

BFA President Alden Marslowe

a result of good representation.

“That community (River’s View) is in Region 10, while Bartica is in Region 7; but cooperation and representation have worked well for them, and they will benefit from a ground that is better than anything we have at Bartica - the gateway to the gold and diamond mining operations,” the BFA president lamented.

He also noted that should Bartica Football get sponsorship, football grounds can be placed in order, in that not only would each ground be given a good surface, but flood-lights would also be installed, giving players the opportunity to play night games and hold games as fundraisers for the Association.

The BFA would also be able to host visiting teams, “thus creating more exposure for the teams in Bartica.”

Marslowe is therefore appealing to corporate sponsors to come on board this initiative that is seeking to improve football in Bartica.

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saturday, september 28, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

GNS Providence to host India in 3 Women’s T20I matches ꟷ squad will be announced shortly T

he West Indies Women will host India Women for three (3) One Day International (ODIs) matches and five (5) T20 International (T20I) matches in the Colonial Medical Insurance Series from November 1-20.

Matches will be played in Antigua, St. Lucia and Guyana.

India Women will arrive in the Caribbean on October 28, ahead of the first Colonial Medical Insurance ODI match on November 1, to be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on that Caricom state’s 38th Independence anniversary.

All three matches of the ODI series will be played in Antigua: on November 1, 3 and 6. Points accrued in this series all count towards the ICC Women’s Championship 20172021. The five-match T20I series will be played across two countries. The first two matches will be played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on November 9 and 10; and Matches 3,4 and 5 will be played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on November 14, 17 and 20.

The West Indies Women will be looking to bounce back from a recent home defeat to the number one ranked Australia Women. They were beaten 3-0 in both the ODI and T20 series. The West Indies Women took on Australia with a young team, and there were standout performances from debutants Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond as well as from captain Stafanie Taylor.

Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, spoke about the upcoming tour saying, “The team is coming off a tough tour against Australia, and this long series against India will no doubt give them a better opportunity to fine-tune their skills ahead of the T20 World Cup

Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimond have been the stars of the West Indies Women’s last series

in Australia next year.”

Adams continued, “We have a very young squad, the standouts of Gajnabi and Grimmond from the most recent series mixed with the senior players, I believe, is a good signal to us at CWI and the region that Women’s Cricket has been developing. Going forward, we just have to continue the support in whatever way we can to ensure West

Indies Women’s cricket is back on the top.”

This month-long series comes exactly one year after the explosive performances in front of sold-out crowds at home during the ICC T20 World Cup. That series ironically was played at two of the venues that will be used during this series, the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia and the National Stadium in Guyana. (CWI)

15th Hand-in-Hand Cycling set BCB Office Restoration Project… for October 5 at National Park Big contributions from Dr Tulsi

C

ompetitive cycling will take centre stage on the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday October 5 when National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed stages the annual 11-race programme exclusively sponsored by Handin-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Companies.

Guyana’s oldest insurance agency is sponsoring the event for the 15th consecutive year, and Mohamed is once again excited to have the company onboard.

The partnership was renewed on Friday morning when Mohamed received the sponsorship cheque from Marketing Coordinator Shafeena Juman at Hand-in-Hand’s Lot

this collaboration with cycling is just another demonstration of that commitment. “The Hand-in-Hand Fire Insurance Company is happy to be able to sponsor this annual event for its 15th year, and we anticipate that this year will be bigger and better.

“We will continue to remain committed to our youths’ development through sporting events such as cycling, while fulfilling our corporate and social responsibility,” the company said in a statement.

The event pedals off at 09:00h, and will be headlined by the 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, with Michael Anthony of Linden looking to defend his title, having won last year’s event in a time of one hour,

Marketing Coordinator of Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Companies, Shafeena Juman (right), presents the sponsorship cheque to race coordinator Hassan Mohamed

1-4 Avenue of the Republic headquarters in Georgetown.

“Sponsorship is very important to not just cycling, but sports in general; so it’s always good to have this kind of commitment from companies like Hand-in-Hand,” Mohamed, the long-serving cycling administrator, said.

Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Companies has been a firm supporter of sports development in Guyana, and

19 minutes, 14.36s.

Other winners from 2018 were Adelia Hodge (10-lap Juveniles), Ozia McAulay (Mountain bikes), Jude Bentley (Veterans Under-50) and Jaheme Henry (12-14 Boys and Girls). As has been the case over the last 14 years, representatives of Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Companies will be on hand to witness the riders in action and later assist in the distribution of prizes.

Dyal Singh, AH & L Kissoon Ltd

T

he month-long celebration of the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB’s) 80th Anniversary continues with overseas based Guyanese Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh and local furniture giant A.H. & L Kissoon Ltd making major contributions toward the office restoration project.

That project, one of the main programmes for the 80th Anniversary Celebrations, was spearheaded by President Hilbert Foster, Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, Treasurer Dr. Cecil Beharry, and Administrator Angela Haniff.

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh has contributed $371,000.

(US$1800.00) which would be used to tile the 20’ x 30’ foot office, purchase electric fans, and purchase plastic and folding chairs for the Dr. Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam-based office.

The Management of A. H & L Kissoon Ltd on Tuesday last handed over a threepiece suite worth $110,000. to Foster at its Port Mourant branch.

The BCB boss has expressed gratitude to Dr. Singh. For this year alone, he has contributed over $2 million of his own funds for sponsorship of the 2019 Cricket Academy, Countywide Coaching Programme, and water pitcher project, among other projects.

Foster regards the Texasbased medical doctor as one of the main reasons why his twenty-months’ presidency has been so successful.

The purchasing of the chairs means that the BCB would no longer has to rent chairs whenever it holds meetings or official functions at the of-

AH & L Kissoon Ltd Port Mourant Branch Manager George Narine hands over chair suite to BCB President Hilbert Foster

fice.

The three-piece suit would enable the proactive Cricket Board to properly host visitors at its office, and is one of numerous improvements over the last month.

The office now has its own television set, DVD player, water dispenser, Desktop computer, printer, fax machine, electric fans among others.

Management of the Board has also purchased numerous other items to make sure that the BCB becomes self-reliant, and has also obtained sponsorship to install PVC ceiling on the roof, while the Wall of Fame would be upgraded to international standards.

The month long celebration of the BCB’s 80th Anniversary has been very successful.

Among the programmes hosted were nursery school

poster competition, primary school poster competition, secondary school essay competition, television programme, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Retired Cricketers, Cricketers Hall of Fame, Administrator Hall of Fame, water pitcher project, cricket balls project, 80th Anniversary Book, four-page newspaper pullout, Let’s Bet Sports 20/20 Competition, Gear for under-13 players, Honouring of West Indies female debutants, Berbice Greatest Players, donations to NGOs, bicycles for young players, distribution of 80 school bags, food hampers for less fortunate families, cricket gear for clubs, 80th Anniversary Souvenir Cups and 80th Anniversary posters.

The Berbice Cricket Board would like to express gratitude to A.H & L Kissoon Ltd and Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, september 28, 2019

23

Amazon Warriors youngsters always hungry for success ꟷ says Captain Malik

By Brandon Corlette

A

fter the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ (GAW) latest victory in the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Captain Shoaib Malik explained that the team has a good crop of youngsters who are hungry for success.

“Every victory is important, especially when you’re on the road; those are more important. We’ve

their best shot, we cannot control results”, Malik stated.

This GAW team has created history this season, winning seven matches on a trot, and each player in the team has lived up to the high expectations. The average age of the players in GAW team is 25, and Brandon King, the 24-year-old Jamaican, has been a stand-out performer with the bat.

King has racked up 275 runs in seven outings at an average of 55,

one of the senior statesman in the team. At age 37, he has been doing well, with 180 runs under his belt.

The bowling has been led by the 25-year-old Chris Green. He has taken 10 wickets in yet another consistent season for the GAW thus far. The 40-year-old Tahir, who is performing as a cricketer half his age should, has enjoyed the CPL, with eight wickets in only four outings.

The 24-year-old Guyanese

youthful GAW team.

In the two matches he played, he had an immediate impact with five wickets in only two matches. Adding that calmness and experience to the bowling line-up during his three matches played, the 36-year-old Ben Laughlin has six scalps under his belt in three matches.

Nicholas Pooran and Sherfane Rutherford have not been getting an opportunity with the bat in recent times, but they have shown their credentials and how hungry they are for success, as each member of the team. GAW have three matches in the preliminary stage.

GAW will play their next match on Monday September 30 against Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in Trinidad and Tobago, followed by home matches at Providence. On

Thursday October 3, GAW will meet Jamaica Tallawahs, followed by TKR on Friday October 4.

The play-off matches will bowl off on Sunday October 6 at Providence with two matches on the same day.

The second Qualifier will be played on October 10 in Tarouba Trinidad at the Brian Lara Stadium, followed by the grand final on Saturday October 12 at the same venue in the twin islands.

Captain Shoaib Malik

Chris Green has been instrumental with the ball this season (CPL/Getty Images)

got a lot of youngsters in our team, and they are hungry, and always working hard”, Malik highlighted.

Malik has said it is important for set batsmen in the team to bat deep, since the GAW has thus far had a flawless season with seven wins. Malik is unbothered about not having a bad game in the tournament. “Not worried about anything, just telling the guys to give

and a strike rate of 144.73. To top off his dream season thus far, King has scored three half-centuries.

His opening partner, Chandrapaul Hemraj, another young prospect, has been among the runs in his homecoming season. The 26-year-old Hemraj has 191 runs, while the 22-year-old Shimron Hetmyer has 155 runs.

Being one of four batsmen amassing 100 runs for GAW, Malik is

speedster Romario Shepherd has been impressive with nine wickets to his name in six matches. His partner Keemo Paul, who is certainly one of the brightest young prospects in the Caribbean, has also been taking wickets and contributing to the team’s success.

The 21-year-old Paul has eight wickets thus far in this CPL. Qais Ahmed, who is only 19 years old, also adds a touch of class to the

Sherfane Rutherford being congratulated by Malik after a catch earlier in the tournament

Race of the champions…

Port Mourant Turf Club-MMP Foundation horse race set for Sunday A

ll of the top horses will assemble at the Port Mourant Turf Club tomorrow, Sunday September 29, for the Race of the Champions, a grand one-day horse race meet.

This event is organized by Mohabir Mookoorchand Persaud (M.M.P) Foundation for Excellence.

The first of six races on the programme will run off from 10:00h, and the feature event will run at a purse of $1.2 million.

This event is being considered as a Guyana Cup rematch, and all the top horses that were present at the Guyana Cup will return for a rematch.

Some of these top horses that have already been confirmed to participate in the MMP Meet are Guyana Cup champion Lucky Star, Vera’s Finally, Scores Even, Isn’t He Perfect?, Justify the Heat,

Catholic Boy, Gold Again, Storm Bird, Fresh Dancer, TnT, and the Nand Persaud champion horse Golden Blue Echo.

Horses that were earlier confirmed for the $1.2 million feature event are Lucky Star, Vera’s Finally, Don’t overlook, Storm Bird, Simple Slide, TnT, Golden Blue Echo, Settling Star and Scores Even.

The penultimate race of the day is the feature ‘B and Lower’ 1300-metre race.

Entries for horses will be $60,000, and the first prize is a purse of $1,200,000.

Second prize is $300,000, while third prize is $150,000.

Among the classified races are the L Class, the H and I Class, 2 Years Old Open (Guyana Bred), 3 Years Old Guyana Bred (Winner of less than four races), B and Lower and the J &K Class. (Brandon Corlette)

Guyana Cup champion, Lucky Star (Brandon Corlette photo)

saturday, september 28, 2019

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

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Top horses from the Guyana Cup will be in action (Brandon Corlette photo)

ꟷ squad will be announced shortly

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