Guyana Times October 2, 2018

“Canzone – Sing a Song of Joy” to be aired on TVG P5

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

Issue No. 3704

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

PRICE

Blame game continues

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GuySuCo

Page 7

misappropriated bond money – NICIL/SPU

...says misuse of funds has caused worry for lenders

PPP committed to making Guyana better with or without oil money – Jagdeo Page 3

Guyanese husband, wife busted with cocaine Page at JFK 11

$80 vat included

Govt unmoved P12 on countrywide property valuations ...as Communities Ministry moves ahead with project

NYC-based Guyanese charged for throwing brother from building P14

Govt signs US$8M P13 contracts to build 2 new schools

City Hall CoI

Over $70M Page 2 unaccounted for from city’s restoration fund

…financial records missing

Guyanese fishermen rescued after Page boat wreck in Atlantic Ocean 9

Policeman slapped with causing P2 death charge Supenaam-Good Hope youths P13 call for Govt's intervention to fix sport facility

Duo remanded for chopping off man’s P8 finger

2 news

tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

City Hall CoI

Over $70M unaccounted for from city’s restoration fund …financial records missing

By Rupadai Seenaraine

T

ales of City Hall’s mismanagement of funds and unaccountability continued on Monday as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) heard that over $70 million was unaccounted for from the city restoration fund, while there were no financial records for the years 2006 to 2011.

This is according to the finance records from the Audit Office of Guyana, which were presented by the Audit Manager, Dhanraj Persaud at the Critchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown at the CoI chaired by retired Justice Cecil Kennard.

As he delved into the matter, Persaud showed that Central Government through the Communities Ministry had supplied funds for city restoration projects in the sum of $300 million

Audit Manager Dhanraj Persaud

in 2015 and in 2016; another $200 million was injected into the initiative, for a total of $500 million.

However, when checks were made into the expenditure of these projects over $70.489 million was unaccounted for.

“For 2016, Council did

not produce evidence to account for amount totalling $70.489 million,” he said.

It was related the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has a history of failing to source records in the past.

Initially, a financial statement is composed by the City Treasurer and the records would be signed by the Town Clerk. It is then submitted to the auditing body for recommendations after which the response of the client is incorporated and the report is finalised.

So far, the pending report has not been confirmed since the report was not prepared in accordance with the stipulated requirements of the Audit Office in regard to the format and acceptable standards., Town Clerk Royston King was so notified via a letter on June 30 and was required to respond within 30 days in accordance with the Audit Act

of 2004.

“The Town Clerk would be ultimately responsible for the presentation of the record. These monies would’ve been given by Central Government and so findings of this report would be present in the Auditor General’s Report that is presented in Parliament. This is where the Council through the Ministry of Communities will have to answer. The findings will be incorporated into the final report of the Auditor General,” the Audit Manager testified.

Missing records

In the course of six years, from 2006 to 2011, there have been no financial records for the disbursement of monies at City Hall.

Additionally, for the year 2005, documents were submitted but an audit could not be completed because the files were “damaged”.

City Hall

The Audit Manager stood before the Commission as he explained what was relayed to them by the Council, adding that the organisation would have enquired about the absence of the report, but no explanation was given. In 2012, records were also damaged, but from 2013 to 2015, some files were presented for auditing, which they were able to inspect and thereby extract information.

When asked by the Commission to give his comments on whether or not the Council has been managed according to sound financial procedures, Persaud indicated that it would be considered as a “disclaimer”, later adding that it was the “worst opinion”.

“If we have financial statements that aren’t presented in accordance to those that are in general accepted principles, our opinion on those statements will be a disclaimer. A disclaimer meaning that we cannot provide an opinion on the state of affairs of the Council. We would be unable to because we didn’t have documents and that is the worst opinion you can get,” said Persaud.

He further mentioned, “We were still unable to ver-

ify significant items in the financial statements and so we’d have to provide what you call a qualification, meaning we could not verify these figures.”

As he underscored the importance of audits, it was related that, “Audited financial reports or financial statements give a representation on the state of affairs of an entity and as such, stakeholders want to know the state of affairs of that particular entity. In the absence of financial statements, key stakeholders would be unable to make informed decisions.”

The CoI into City Hall comes at a time when numerous complaints were made by staffers of the Council and other agencies, regarding the expenditure and decisions which were taken by the Council.

Consequently, actions were taken by the Local Government Commission to probe the operations at City Hall with the Commission being represented by Sherwin Benjamin and Everton Singh-Lammy.

On September 21, 2018 the Town Clerk was instructed to proceed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Policeman slapped with causing death charge

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olice Constable Ryan Persaud who reportedly struck down a motorcyclist while driving under the influence was on Monday slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge and appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on September 1, about 23:40h on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he drove Guyana Police Force minibus PVV 4652 in a manner dangerous to the public whereby causing the death of Akemo Anthony Bristol.

He was previously charged for driving under the influence, but had denied that charge. For that offence, he was released on

$25,000 bail.

On Monday, the Police Prosecutor made no objections to bail. Magistrate Fabayo Azore released Persaud on $250,000 bail, and the case was adjourned to October 12, 2018.

Guyana Times previously reported that the Police Constable and Bristol were both travelling along Mandela Avenue when the collision occurred.

The impact reportedly tossed Bristol into a nearby drain while his mangled motorcycle ended up under the minibus.

Bristol was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he subsequently died while receiving medical attention.

news

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tuesday, October 2 – 10:30h-12:00h and Wednesday, October 3 – 12:30h-14:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, October 2 – 09:45h-11:15h and Wednesday, October 3 – 11:20h-12:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, with thundery showers interrupting briefly just before noon. Clear skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 09:45h and 22:09h reaching maximum heights of 2.24 metres and 2.29 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:36h reaching a minimum height of 1.04 metres.

SATURDAY, september 29, 2018

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PPP committed to making Guyana better with or without oil money – Jagdeo

W

ith 23 years in office that saw massive economic growth and development across all regions in Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) says it is prepared to do that again, and even more, as it launched its campaign for the Local Government Elections (LGE) in Bartica, Region Seven.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a large crowd in the mining town on Sunday that all Guyanese now have a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the policy direction of the PPP, especially when compared to the current Government and their perceived mismanagement.

“We changed this country without oil money, and we can change it faster and better,” Jagdeo said to cheering supporters in the background. But more importantly, the current Opposition Leader pointed to areas where the current Government has performed poorly.

He spared no effort in criticising the Coalition Administration for its tax policy. Jagdeo informed the gathering that the coalition collects $60 billion more in taxes than the PPP. “That is why, when you go to the market or walk down this Avenue, things are so slow. So $60 billion that were in people’s pockets are now with Government, and they are using it on these useless things,” he explained, noting that no one is spared the Government’s increased taxes.

In pointing to an example where the increased taxation is being felt, Jagdeo said Region One (BarimaWaini) is a prime example, as that region is now paying $1.5 million more in taxes.

“We used to allow goods coming in from Brazil up to Kurupukari for free, because the cost of living is high for hinterland people…

We did the same for goods coming from Venezuela.

Now they (Government) gone to the borders to institute taxes,” he added.

The Opposition Leader told supporters that he was told by residents in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), especially those living in remote and riverine villages, that they have to pay an increased fee for licences of small boats. This amounts to some $40,000 per year.

Borrowing

Aside from the heavy taxes, Jagdeo argued that the Government is also involved in useless consumption and borrowing. This includes running down the reserve to the new borrowing policy, and causing an overdraft of over $100 billion in addition to other issues.

After 23 years in office, the PPP left the country in

People’s Progressive Party General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo greets these youngsters during a visit to Bartica and its environs, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

$1.2 billion in debt. The PPP is worried that after the term of this Government, this amount could be exceeded. Jagdeo said, “It takes us right back to Burnhamhite era, where they borrowed in the 70s and 80s and left the country in ruins.

“They are hollowing out our country again. If we don’t get them out, this country is on its way to getting back to the past. We have to ensure we work hard not to allow that to happen,” he said.

Jagdeo said if the PPP is returned to office, they will reverse most of these taxes, so as to give people more disposable income and allow the economy to grow and flourish.

He also promised to reintroduce the environment and fiscal regime that was in place for mining, and

which to a large extent lent support to miners. “We will ensure that will happen,” he added.

Over 3000 candidates have been put forward by the PPP to contest local elections in all 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

Besides the thousands of candidates, the General Secretary related that there were approximately 20,000 backers – demonstrative of

the enormous task before the Party.

Jagdeo noted that 70 of the 71 areas were contested in 2016. According to him, this time around, some 80 areas were created through gerrymandering.

But Jagdeo made it clear that, this time around, the PPP would contest every single area, including the areas that were newly created.

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018

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

Support systems for youths

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here are many social ills affecting the Guyanese society, especially the younger segment of the population; and programmes and support services to help address these issues could never be enough.

For example, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol; crime, suicide, domestic and other forms of violence; lack of jobs, and so on are having a huge negative impact on communities across Guyana. And now, more than ever, there is need for a genuine, collaborative approach, with inclusive planning and coordination, where volunteerism is a key element to help find practical and lasting solutions to these many ills.

We are well aware that sometimes young people feel there is no end or solution to the problems they are facing, and hence they turn to various forms of anti-social behaviours, thereby creating more challenges for an already burdened society.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing these issues, this burden must also be shared by various actors within the society, such as religious groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) etc; since such problems affect everyone.

The most recent is the announcement from Deputy Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Lesley Ramlall, that investigations by his unit have led to the discovery of ecstasy in at least five schools across the country; this is worrying.

Ramlall said that youths in these schools have come forward and admitted to utilising the recreational drug, which has led to the arrest of some persons.

Even though he disclosed that CANU’s investigations have not led to the discovery of the presence of other illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or heroin in schools, he did stress that no further or additional investigation would be mounted without an “invitation” from the Education Ministry, who is being seen as a crucial partner in addressing the current dilemma.

His statements led Vice President and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, to declare that the law enforcement agencies in Guyana were “losing the battle”, as drugs have now found their way into schools across the country.

These revelations are serious by any measure, and must raise the hairs on the skins of all right-thinking and ethically-astute Guyanese. And there must be no efforts spared on the part of the Government, through its Ministries of Public Security, Education, Social Protection, and Health, to take corrective actions where necessary by employing executive measures aimed at equipping both the school system and security sector to deal with the threats and challenges posed by the growth in popularity and usage of ecstasy.

Also, the importance of other stakeholders -- such as the Guyana Teachers Union, the school boards, and parents in general -- cannot be underplayed, as they will serve as gatekeepers and the first respondents whenever there are worrying signs developing, or cases being found.

If the situation is not arrested, then, in a matter of years, the public security and health sectors will have another major problem on their hands, as research has shown that over a long-term period, ecstasy can have irreparable damage to serotonin neurotransmitters.

Also, the role of the private sector should never be underestimated. There is need for funding for many crucial programmes aimed at creating better opportunities for young persons, and businesses should step up to the challenge.

Such programmes, once effectively implemented, would see our children and young people become well equipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves, and in turn contribute to the overall development of the country as a whole.

We believe that if our young people are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting to making more mature and responsible judgments, and engage in activities that are the hallmark of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided.

First Lady Sandra Granger wrapping a pink ribbon around a tree along the avenue on Camp Street, Georgetown at the GTT Pinktober Tree Wrapping Exercise on Monday. The event aims to show support for persons battling cancer (Dexter Ceres photo)

Guyanese village reunions

Dear Editor, During the summer that just ended, GuyaneseAmericans organised community events specifically designed to reunite kinfolks from a particular village and surrounding area in Guyana. These have become annual rituals that constitute a remembrance and celebration of life in that village and of the presence and achievements of those villagers and their descendants settled in America.

Recreating ties among those spread across different areas in America, transmitting kin-based connections to offspring, is one of the objectives behind these joyous village reunions.

Over the last two decades, Indo-Guyanese village and school reunions have become an annual ritual in New York City. They have institutionalised people (or those Americans who trace their roots) from every Indo-Guyanese village imaginable at gatherings (reunions) this past summer; and in fact have been so doing for many years – at the Flushing Park, Cunningham Park, Baysley Park, or Roy Wilkins Park, all of which also host cricket.

And these reunions car-

ried their own distinct labels, like Port Mourant Day, or Albion Day, or Rose Hall Day, or Canal Day, or Lesbeholden Day, etc. These reunions were organised by volunteers. The reunions attracted hundreds every Saturday and Sunday from the first weekend in July through end of September.

The largest gatherings were usually Port Mourant, Albion, Enmore, Canal, Windsor Forest, Uitvlugt, Wales, Rose Hall Canje, Black Bush, etc. Nonvillagers (from surrounding villages) also attend the reunions. I attended several to observe proceedings from a journalistic and academic perspective.

All the school and village reunions tend to bring together people from back home in a fraternity. These reunions had a plethora of fun activities, including cricket, volleyball, track and field (bag racing, needle threading), dancing, and of course liquor drinking and a lot of eating. They saw each other and talked about those who lost hair, gained bellies, used reading glasses, etc.

They showed off old photos of themselves, children, grandchildren and neighbours.

Large music boxes tend to entertain the crowds with Indian and chatney songs, and occasionally there is a live band. Karaoke from well-known artistes is also part of the entertainment.

These social events have meaning. The reunion is used as a fundraising drive to improve the village back in the old country. Raffles are held, participants also donate money; collected proceeds are sent home or used to organise next year’s activities. The money is given to some worthy project in Guyana – fixing a school; helping poor families; honouring outstanding Guyanese from that area – recognition.

For older folks and those in poor health, a reunion presents a chance to see people whom they had not seen for a long time, and may also be seeing for the last time.

The gatherings are also a way to celebrate shared heritage and culture; to exchange stories, and to honor the memories of those who have passed on.

Participants disclose that it is a wonderful opportunity to be with village folks. The reunions allow members of a village to re-engage in face-to-face in-

teraction that would keep alive memories of village life and to reminisce and celebrate their families and personalities. The holding of a village reunion also gives youngsters born in that village and migrated, as well as American-born of parents from those villages, a chance to meet and get to know their ancestral villagers, and anyone else who is from that village; and by extension from Guyana. It is amazing to hear youngsters born in America say they are from Port Mourant, or Anna Regina, or Berbice, or Guyana. The reunions are a welcome activity – a re-enactment of nostalgia back to a time and place that formed an important part of Guyanese life. They help people catch up with the past after a long period, serve a therapeutic effect on the old, feeble and lonely. There is much consoling over losses, and gratification and joy at meeting again. The connections, shared values and common experiences re-unite them all once again, until another summer, when they hope to meet again.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Speak out vociferously against injustices Dear Editor, I wish to respond to a letter penned by one Mr Zamal Hussain, wherein he highlighted the plight of our electoral system. In that letter, he is of the firm view that the electoral machinery in

Guyana, instead of being strengthened, is being undermined to the point where there would not be a fair process. I wholeheartedly support Mr Hussain on this note, having seen the underhand, corrupt way elections

have been held over the years here under a PNC administration.

History is replete with their corrupt practices. All of these disgraceful acts are well documented for our learning and edification.

Whenever it comes to the administration of free, open and transparent process where a selection or election process is concerned, the PNC's stewardship in such matters stinks to the high heavens. Continues page 5

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News

“Canzone – Sing a Song of 9th Caribbean Beekeeping Joy” to be aired on TVG Congress launched T Members of “Canzone – Sing a Song of Joy” choirs

N

ow in its eighth year of existence, the Tina Insanally Foundation’s choirs have been rehearsing since May of this year on its most ambitious project – the recording of a series of 15-minute programmes to be broadcast on both television and radio on popular channel TVG and another local channel over a three-month period from October 1 to December 31.

The programme called “Canzone – Sing a Song of Joy” will focus on songs of hope and happiness, understanding and love that have

been selected from the repertoire of groups like the Beatles (“Imagine”, “Eleanor Rigby”, “Let It Be”, “Hey Jude”); Boney M (“Canzone”, “Rivers of Babylon”, “Brown Girl”); ABBA (“Fernando”, “Waterloo”, “Dancing Queen”); the MOVIES (“Raindrops”, “Over the Rainbow”) as well as the Drifters, the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson and others. The younger ones will perform Disney selections (“A Million Dreams”, “Try Everything” and “Whole New World”) and folk songs.

The series will end with the

music of Christmas in the last two weeks of December.

Well-known musician and teacher Derry Etkins is the Choir Director and plays the keyboard; Mark Lee plays guitar and young Nicholas Hussain from St John Bosco, who has been with the Foundation from the beginning, is on drums.

The junior choir comprises a group of 10-12-year-olds from St Ann’s while the senior group includes teenage girls and boys from St Ann’s and St John Bosco who have been with the Foundation since 2010.

Speak out...

With a PNC-dominated, PNC-controlled GECOM, anything can and will take place to subvert a transparent process. No good can come out of such an arrangement.

Recently, the Guyana Teachers’ Union got a jolt of this barefaced, dictatori-

al fraud when they were told in a hand-me-down manner that their views are null and void when the Government is in charge -- a very shocking way to treat persons who are known supporters of the regime.

It therefore behooves all right-thinking persons

from page 4

in this country to stand up and speak out vociferously against these grave injustices. Guyanese need to stand up and be counted for what is just and fair.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

he Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Association of Caribbean Beekeepers’ Organisation (ACBO) and Guyana Apicultural Society (GAS) on Monday officially launched the Ninth Caribbean Beekeeping Congress under the theme, “Natural Beekeeping for a Green Caribbean”.

The conference will cater to over 200 participants from November 19 to 23. This biannual forum, which is geared to address the challenges and opportunities within the subsector, is the second congress convened in Guyana. It will also assist in boosting local beekeeping businesses and opportunities to develop export potential through the promotion of local apiculture products to Caribbean visitors.

In brief remarks at the Agriculture Ministry’s boardroom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch, urged that more and better local honey-based products be made available for public consumption. This, he said, will reduce the demand for imported apiary products and make available more opportunities for local beekeepers.

“We have an opportunity; we have a market right here and we must strive to be able to satisfy the market that we have here … we have an industry that has the

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Country Representative Wilmot Garnett

ability to grow and there are markets that we can attain by growing,” Cumberbatch is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying. He added that there was a need for more commercial beekeeping activities.

According to Cumberbatch, there is a need to push for more honey production since the nation imports between 45 and 50 kilograms of honey annually from Canada, Jamaica and Congo, among other countries, which he hopes can be changed since “we import as much as we produce”.

The GLDA CEO also urged that GAS create a relationship between crop farmers and beekeepers to expand within their respective fields.

GAS Chairman Neil Grant, who is also chairing the Congress, said the organisation hoped to promote beekeeping as a profession to the participants, particularly those living in the hin-

terland communities.

Grant added that the organisation was also encouraging the involvement of 1000 beekeepers with 100 hives each, as a way to expand on the production within the sector. He urged more sponsors to join the effort and support the initiative as it will play a role in the growth of the industry.

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Country Representative Wilmot Garnett said the apiculture sector was one in Guyana that needed marketing in the Caribbean and called for updates and regulations made across the Region to be highlighted to beekeepers.

The first congress of beekeepers was held in Tobago in November 1998.

Successive congresses were held in Nevis in 2000, Jamaica in 2002, Trinidad in 2005, Guyana in 2008, Grenada in 2011, and St Croix in 2014.

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Foundation

Teach your child to ask for help – the right way

By Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD

K

nowing how and when to ask for help is a critical life skill that many children struggle to master. Their own feelings may get in the way of communicating what they need. They may also have beliefs that lead them to avoid asking for help or ask too frequently or at inappropriate times. Here are five examples of children who are stuck and having a hard time asking for the help they need plus some ways they can do so effectively.

The easily frustrated child Stuck reaction: “I give up. It’s too hard”

Some children have a very low tolerance for frustration. As soon as they struggle, they want to give up. To break through their knee-jerk tendency to give up when things are difficult, they need to practise dealing with tolerable doses of frustration.

They also need a plan of things they can do when they struggle. For example, with school work, they might try re-reading the instructions, underlining or circling key words, or looking again at the example. They might also try asking a classmate to explain.

These children benefit from having a guideline that, before asking for help from an adult, they need to try two ways to solve it on their own. The two attempts give them practice coping. Also, if they explain to an adult how they’ve already tried to solve a problem on their own, the adult will be more willing to help.

A possible way to ask for help: “I tried _____ and _____, but I’m still stuck. Could you help me, please?”

The helpless child Stuck reaction: “I can’t do this!

I can’t do anything right!”

Some children jump quickly from struggling with a task to harshly judging themselves as completely incapable. The key with these children is to soften their blackand-white thinking. There’s some part of the task that they do understand. Being able to anchor themselves on that allows them to see that they do know something and to get the specific type of help they need to build from there. The part they do understand doesn’t have to be big – maybe they just understand the general topic or method – but it’s a starting point. Urge these kids to figure out what they do know before asking

about what they don’t know.

A possible way to ask for help: “I understand _____, but I’m confused about _______. Could you please explain it to me?”

The overwhelmed child Stuck reaction: “It’s no good!”

(Cries, destroys work)

Sometimes children become so overwhelmed by their feelings of frustration or inadequacy that they burst into tears or even destroy their work. These children need to learn to take a break before that happens. While not strictly a form of asking for help, this is an important type of selfadvocacy. These children won’t be able to process any kind of helpful suggestions or instruction until they’ve calmed down.

They can also benefit from learning some self-calming strategies such as slow, deep breathing, noticing all nearby items of a certain colour, or counting or doing Maths facts in their heads. Note that the break isn’t an escape pass. It’s just a few minutes of stepping away to settle before trying again.

When they return to the task, they can use one of the previous two example statements to ask for help.

A possible way to ask for help: “I’m feeling overwhelmed. I need a short break before I try again.”

The perfectionistic child Stuck reaction: “I don’t want help! I should be able to do this all by myself.”

Some children believe that asking for help is a sign that they’re stupid or incompetent.

This causes a lot of unnecessary suffering and interferes with learning. Sometimes these children need help understanding when to ask for help – for example, if they’ve tried a couple of strategies and they’re not getting anywhere. There is nothing noble about needless suffering.

Sometimes perfectionistic kids think they need to do everything on their own. Explain that refusing to ask for help when they’re struggling is the same as turning their back on knowledge. That’s not admirable; it’s just inflexible.

An important time for these kids to get help is often before they start big projects.

Perfectionistic children often have grandiose ideas of what they want to do and may benefit from having an adult help them

choose something that’s do-able.

A possible way to ask for help: “Here’s what I’m planning. Do you have any suggestions?”

Continued from Monday

The oblivious child Stuck reaction: “I need help. I need help. I need help. I need help.”

Some children ask for help in ways that annoy others. For instance, they may monopolise classroom discussions or interrupt the teacher or ongoing activities.

They may have mistaken ideas, such as a client I once had who knew that class participation was part of his grade, but thought that meant he should raise his hand as much as possible and talk at length whenever the teacher called on him.

These children may benefit from explanations about when to ask for help.

Specifically, they should wait for a break in an activity or until the teacher has finished giving an explanation. They should also not intrude when the teacher is helping another student. While they’re waiting, they can move on to a different problem or section or continue to try on their own.

It may be useful to explain to these children that the teacher’s attention is like a pie that all the children in the class share. If one kid takes noticeably more than his fair portion without a very good reason, the other kids will be mad.

Sometimes limits, such as aiming for no more than two questions per class period, will enable children to weigh whether their question is necessary. Some children find it helpful to have a nonverbal way of signalling the teacher when they need help, such as using a laminated circle that they keep on their desk and turning it over from green to red to signal that they’re confused without disrupting.

A possible way to ask for help: “Is now a good time for me to ask for help?

Asking for help is a surprisingly complicated skill. It requires that children recognise when they need help, manage their own feelings, predict a potential helper’s likely reaction, assess the appropriateness of asking for help in that particular situation, and clearly communicate what they need.

Thinking through these issues, and coming up with relevant plans to address them, can empower children to get the help they need. (psychologytoday.com)

S

ome strategies to consider include: Parent newsletters Annual open houses Curriculum nights Home visits (where applicable) Phone calls Annual school calendars Inserts in local newspapers Annual grandparents or "special persons" days Board/Ministry spokesperson at PTA meetings Homework hotlines Annual field days Notices and handouts in local markets, clinics, churches, mosques, temples, or other gathering sites Website for the school Workshops for parents Communications that are focused on fathers as well as mothers Effective communication strategies involve: Initiation: Teachers should initiate contact as soon as they know which students will be in their classroom for the school year. Contact can occur by means of an introductory phone call or a letter to the home introducing yourself to the parents and establishing expectations.

Timeliness: Adults should make contact soon after a problem has been identified, so a timely solution can be found. Waiting too long can create new problems, possibly through the frustration of those involved.

Consistency and frequency: Parents want frequent, ongoing feedback about how their children are performing with homework.

Follow-through: Parents and teachers each want to see that the other will actually do what they say they will do.

Clarity and usefulness of communication: Parents and teachers should have the information they need to help students, in a form and language that makes sense to them.

Surprise a parent Parents are not accustomed to hearing unsolicited positive comments from teachers about their children, especially in a phone call from the school.

Imagine how you would feel, as a parent, if you were contacted by a teacher or the school principal and told that your son or daughter was doing well in school, or that your child had overcome a learning or behaviour problem. When you make calls to share positive information with parents, be prepared for them to sound surprised-pleasantly surprised.

Research shows that school-home communication is greatly increased through personalised positive telephone contact between teachers and parents.

Remember, when a phone call from school conveys good news, the atmosphere between home and school improves. When you have good news to share, why wait? Make the call and start a positive relationship with a parent.

Phone guidelines Sometimes, as a new teacher, it's difficult to make the first call to a parent or guardian. Preparing for the call will make it easier. Before making a call, write down the reasons for the call.

One reason can be simply to introduce yourself to the parent or guardian. Here are several guidelines you can use as you prepare: Introduce yourself Tell the parents what their child is studying Invite the parents to an open house and/or other school functions Comment on their child's progress Inform them of their child's achievements (e.g., "Student of the Week") Inform them of their child's strengths or share an anecdote (Excerpt from readingrockets.org)

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Blame game continues

GuySuCo misappropriated bond money – NICIL/SPU ... says misuse of funds has caused worry for lenders

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he National Industrial and C o m m e r c i a l Investments Limited (NICIL) is expressing concern over the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) use of money from the syndicated bond it raised for unauthorised purposes.

Days after reports surfaced that Republic Bank had halted GuySuCo’s bond financing over misuse of funds, the very entity that raised the funds has joined in expressing concern in this regard. In a statement, NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit head, Colvin HeathLondon, made it clear that GuySuCo had appropriated the funds for unauthorised expenses.

In fact, Heath-London has said Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and GuySuCo have appeared disinclined to use the monies for capitalising GuySuCo. According to Heath- London, this has caused lenders to express alarm at the way things are unfolding with the bond.

The executive also noted that GuySuCo is supposed to generate enough revenue

SPU Head Colvin Heath-London

to offset day-to-day expenses and debt. Heath-London added that NICIL is willing to fund GuySuCo’s programme.

NICIL, earlier this year, acquired a $30 billion syndicated bond at a rate of 4.75 per cent interest to spend on capitalising GuySuCo’s remaining estates. It subsequently emerged that part of the bond was used by GuySuCo to repay interest on another debt.

As the bond has strict

requirements for how it would be used, Managing Director of Republic Bank, Richard Sammy, wrote to the bond trustees, Hand in Hand Corporation, to complain. The Bank also called for a full explanation as to the apparent breach of the terms of the Trust Deed.

Hand-in-Hand had written to Republic Bank requesting that the purpose of the Trust Deed be changed regarding how the proceeds of the bond shall be applied. While Republic Bank has stated its no objection to the proposed changes to the Trust Deed, it said it remained disappointed that proceeds from the bond were utilised for a purpose other than what was approved.

The SPU has not taken lightly criticisms which seek to suggest that the bond would be wasted, and that it was acquired at an unreasonable rate. In fact, the SPU had said it should be noted that, as standard for any debt financing, security is required to secure payments to bondholders.

The terms of the bond are five years, since it is ex-

pected that the proceeds of the land sale for GuySuCo would be used to repay the facility. But Minister Holder himself has been publicly critical of the transaction.

Investors

Notwithstanding GuySuCo’s financial woes, some 14 companies hailing from as far as Canada and as near as Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have expressed interest in purchasing the three sugar estates up for sale.

A meeting with these investors and officials from the SPU was held on September 25. According to the Unit, they would have met with the executives to discuss taxes and permits, and NICIL is expecting that they would be able to sell the Rose Hall, Skeldon and East Demerara estates by next year.

Some of the topics dis-

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

cussed at the meeting last week included questions about the Government’s energy policy, and whether or not there will be markets for products such as ethanol.

Permits for intended workers, the condition of the estates, and whether

they are worth buying were also raised. It was indicated that the East Demerara Estate was operational during the last crop, while Skeldon is in preparation mode to open in November.

The Rose Hall estate, on the other hand, is expected to be opened in 2019. Bids for the privatisation process are expected to be submitted by October 31.

In May 2017, Government announced plans to close the Enmore and Rose Hall Sugar Estates, sell the Skeldon Sugar Factory, reduce the annual production of sugar, and take on the responsibility of managing the drainage and irrigation services offered by GuySuCo. In November of that year, GuySuCo announced plans to retrench 2,500 workers by the end of that year. That number increased substantially and ended up being over 7,000.

8 news

tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Duo remanded for chopping off man’s finger

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wo men were remanded to prison on Monday by Magistrate Judy Latchman after they were slapped with a joint charge for unlawful wounding and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Deon Glasgow, 28, and Troy Bourne, 27, were charged jointly for unlawfully wounding Joel Leitch.

It is alleged that the men on September 25, 2018 at Sussex Street, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leitch with intent to maim, disfigure, and cause disablement and grievous bodily harm.

Both men denied the al-

legation after the charge was read to them.

According to the prosecution’s case, on September 25, 2018, the Virtual Complainant was in the company of his friends at a funeral when Glasgow approached him and dealt him a chop with a cutlass which he barred with his hand. The VC, according to the prosecution, began running, but Bourne went in hot pursuit. The VC then stopped running as he feared that he might be chopped in the back and turned to face Bourne who dealt him several chops with the cutlass about his body during which one

of his fingers fell to the ground. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention. A report was made to the Police, and Glasgow and Bourne were arrested.

Magistrate Latchman remanded both men to prison for the wounding charge Additionally, Bourne was slapped with another charge which stated that on September 23, 2018 at John Fernandes Ltd, Georgetown, he unlawfully assaulted Jenika Prophet with intent to cause actual bodily harm.

Bourne also denied this charge.

According to the facts

presented, on the day in question, the VC was approached by the defendant, who she informed that she no longer wanted to continue their relationship. This allegedly angered Bourne who grabbed her hair and dealt her a punch to her face.

The Police Prosecutor objected to bail in relation to the unlawful wounding allegation noting the seriousness of the charge. The Prosecutor also informed the court that the VC is still hospitalised. Bourne was granted $100,000 bail for the assault charge.

The cases will continue on October 15, 2018.

The name is…

T

…“Bond”, not “Loan”

his story on the “Bond” issued by the SPU for GuySuCo is getting “curiouser and curiouser”. If it weren’t for the tragedy of 7000 fired sugar workers and their families going starving in the streets, your Eyewitness would swear the “Mad Hatter” would be making his appearance any minute!! But then it could be the Mad Hatter has taken the form of the SPU’s HeathLondon, since the latter insists on making the same kind of short, nonsensical remarks and riddles as the former!

Facing sharp criticisms from the Minister of Agriculture, the CEO of GuySuCo, Opposition Leader (imagine that!) and every first-year finance student, Heath- London called a press conference to announce that the four sugar estates on the block would be sold by “early next year”!! He says he has 14 prospective buyers; but, for some reason, the ones from India and further afield from the previously announced “78 buyers” appear to have dropped out. We only have Trinis, Guyanese, Canadians!

Your Eyewitness wonders what made the others balk.

Feting the 14 hot prospects at the newly refurbished LBI staff compound (without a paying bar, however!!) HeathLondon confessed: “The potential bidders questioned whether they are being asked to buy essentially scrap metal”!! Well!! So how did the aptly named fella from the expensive accounting firm of Price Waterhouse – Baghaloo, who’d done the valuations -- respond? He said he understood the concern of the bidders on factories that has been closed for a long time. But, obviously, the Government that had closed those factories never did!!

Baghaloo explained that Government was now turning cartwheels to have the factories up and running again!! How bumbling can this PNC Government be?

Their own CoI had advised to keep the entire operation going, and then put the factories on the block…and now they’ve come a full circle!! All because they wanted to teach PPP supporters in the industry a “lesson”! But most of the riddles were on the “bond”.

First of all, why even issue a bond when the factories will be sold in a matter of months? And they will still have to pay interest for five years!! Secondly, was it a “bond” or “loan”? Very few bonds are so short-term, for starters.

Then secondly, unlike loans, once you sell bonds, there are no conditions bondholders can invoke. All you gotta do is pay the interest on time, and at the end, pay off the principal! So, what’s all this about a bondholder protesting GuySuCo using the funds to pay off interest on other loans??

And how much is it costing the SPU to “have the closed factories” running again??

And is it coming from the bond funds?

…“Operation Restore Order”

It was right out of the Police playbook from the days of the “Freedom Fighters”. A massive force of 220 Police ranks swooped down on Agricola and Upper Bourda in the wee hours of the morning, as the cock was crowing thrice. They arrested 29 persons while seizing several motorcycles, phones, drugs and “gun parts”. Seems that the shakeup in the Police top brass has directly led to this shakedown in the “hood”.

But was there “probable cause”? Like the citizens of these ‘hoods -- and the PNC then in Opposition -- your Eyewitness is very upset at the violation of the rights of these citizens, who no doubt were mostly choir boys.

That’s what Granger said when he attended the funeral of one young man who’d been killed when Police returned fire during a raid they conducted in Agricola, after they were tipped off about a robbery being planned.

Your Eyewitness demands a CoI into this assault on the civil rights of Guyanese citizens!

Right, bannuhs?

…famous last words

Cautioning the Government about borrowing like there was no tomorrow, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was told there is “Nothing to worry about!” by Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

Eerily reminiscent of the response by the captain of the Titanic when warned about an iceberg ahead!!

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

News

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese fishermen rescued after boat wreck in Atlantic Ocean F ive fishermen from Corentyne, Berbice have been rescued and are now safe after the vessel in which they had been travelling encountered a storm and sank in the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday evening.

The fishermen were tossed into the ocean and remained in the water. Two were rescued on Sunday morning, while the other three were rescued on Monday.

The men are: Rondell Vanderstoop, 27, and Nuris Dundas 18, two brothers of Epsom Village Corentyne; Andrew Beaton, 22, and Steve McBean 20, of the same village; and Rodwell Captain, 21, of Brighton Village.

Reports are that the men left Nickerie, Suriname

Andrew Beaton

Nuris Dundas

Rodwell Captain

Steve McBean

Rondell Vanderstoop

on Saturday for a 14-day fishing expedition, but by 21:00h the same evening, they were hit by the storm.

According to reports, the rough waters caused the boat to split and then submerge. They were all tossed into the water, and initially kept contact by periodically calling on each

other.

Following the mishap, Beaton and Captain were picked up in the ocean by another fisherman, but it took almost two days before they found the other three.

Mc Bean’s wife, Kerry Mayers, 19, said she was able to speak with her husband Steve McBean, 22,

after he was rescued. She said initial reports were that the boat sank and two were rescued.

She explained that she was told three crew members were missing, and that information did not change until Monday morning.

“The boy said that the Captain called him out-

side, and when he went the boat was already filled with water, and a wave just come and the two of them grab lifejackets and then they get separated in the water, and eventually they get back together and jump on the ice box; and then they separate again, but they did not reach up with the others until today [Monday].”

The men were eventually rescued at about 08:30h on Sunday. On Monday morning, the same boat re-

turned to sea in search of the three missing men.

Meanwhile, Leroy Vanderstoop said his 27-year-old brother Rondell was the captain of the fishing vessel.

Vanderstoop had been going to sea for more than a decade, while his brother Nuris has been a fisherman for two years. It was the first year at sea for the other three. The rescued men all returned to Guyana on Monday afternoon.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Linden businessman nabbed with illegal gun, ganja the Cuyuni River where he was searched and the items found.

He is expected to make a court appearance at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Just two days ago, 29 persons were arrested during a Police operation in the Agricola, Greater Georgetown and North Road, Bourda areas. They were questioned for offenc-

A

The gun and cannabis found by Police

Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) businessman was on Monday arrested by Police ranks after an unlicensed gun with matching ammunition and a quantity of cannabis were found in his possession.

Police information re-

veals that the 31-yearold suspect who resides in Silver City, Wismar, Linden was carrying a 9mm pistol with 10 live matching rounds and in excess of 16 grams of cannabis. The businessman was intercepted by ranks on patrol duty at the Aranka trail at

es which range from possession of a firearm and its components, cocaine, and marijuana, and armed robberies.

The Police also confirmed that two motorcycles, a number of mobile phones, and other items suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully attained were discovered and confiscated.

10 news

tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

SOCU charges

Allegations do not deem Singh, Brassington ‘public officers’ – Nandlall tells CJ

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cting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC heard further arguments from attorneys representing former Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, as the challenge to their misconduct in public office charges continued at the High Court on Monday.

Attorneys Anil Nandlall and Ronald Burch-Smith appeared on behalf of the defendants, who were released on $6 million each.

During Monday’s proceedings, Nandlall disputed the application of the British common law principle to Guyana’s laws, having cited conflicts with this country’s Constitution with the definition of a public officer.

With several legal citations, the former Attorney General noted that the particulars of the offence for which the duo is charged has “no reference” that Singh and Brassington are public officers.

“This is a fundamental defect, as the offence is misconduct in public office. They have made no allegation that the two men were public officers, so an important ingredient is missing in the charge,

on the face of it,” Nandall outlined to Justice George.

He held to his position that the charge only has two elements; namely, ‘misconduct’ and ‘public office’. He outlined further that for misconduct to be occasioned, evidence would be needed to show high degree of recklessness or great dishonesty.

“There must be an element of culpability,” the lawyer stressed.

He stated that his legal team intends to exhibit an advertisement for the lands under question, to which the Judge responded that it should have already been done. Nevertheless, Nandall told the acting Chief Justice that it would be a worrying development for citizens to face charges for having accepted a lower valuation ($6 million against $12 million) where the lower valuation was calculated by Government’s own Chief Valuation Officer.

“Our criminal law can never be so subjective, so unpredictable, so dysfunctional...If there’s another Executive Government that starts to review this Government’s Executive Policies and starts to pursue charges, where will it end?”

Nandlall questioned.

His colleague Burch-

Dr Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington

Smith observed that the former NICIL Head, Brassington, “never signed” the agreement.

He referred the Queens Atlantic deal, where “a midpoint was chosen”, though reiterating that his client never signed the document.

Burch-Smith stressed that the entire South Georgetown (including East, West, North and South Ruimveldt) and areas beyond Sherriff Street, Georgetown were all developed by Government. On these grounds, the lawyer stated, he could not understand how these actions with reference to the current case could be deemed misconduct.

Justice George, however, reminded both attorneys to stick to evidence presented

at the bar table.

Singh, 45, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and Brassington, 50, of Florida, USA, are accused of selling various properties at prices the State contends were grossly undervalued. These charges have to do with the sale of several plots of land on the East Coast of Demerara to National Hardware Guyana Ltd for over $598 million;

the sale of land to Scady Business Corporation at a cost of $150 million, and to Multi-cinemas Guyana Inc. at a cost of $185 million.

Bruch-Smith on Monday that he has not seen the documents relating to Scady Business Corporation.

These charges were filed by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) at the Magistrates’ Court following advice obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP), but the two former Government officials denied the allegations.

Their lawyers subsequently secured stays of execution to halt the lower court proceedings while they challenge the misconduct charges in the High Court.

But then another set of charges were filed against Singh and Brassington, this time over the sale of the former Sanata Textiles Complex to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII). This,

like other charges, was also challenged in the High Court, and back in July, acting Chief Justice Roxane George consolidated the four ‘misconduct in public office’ charges into one substantive challenge.

It was alleged that between October 26 and December 20, 2010, the duo acted recklessly when they agreed to the sale of the Sanata Textiles Complex to QAII. According to the charge, the 18.976-acre property was sold for $697.8 million, but it was valued at $1.04 billion. However, according to privatisation documents published by NICIL, the property was valued at $245 million by the Government’s Chief Valuation Officer, but QAII paid $809.5 million for the property – more than three times the Government valuation as Guyana Times had reported. The case continues on October 23.

Leading Mexican agency shares best practices in oil sector

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he Embassy of Mexico, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, is hosting a two and a half-day workshop. This will see the Mexican Agency for Safety, Energy and the Environment (ASEA) sharing lessons learnt and regulatory insights for Guyana’s extractive sector, specifically in the areas of the oil and gas.

The training will give participants an overview of empirical findings regarding industrial safety and environmental regulation of the oil and gas industry based on a Risk Management Model developed by ASEA, the main regulator of the Mexican oil industry.

Executive Director Carlos de Regules said that with the management of over 300 oil platforms, six refineries, above 60,000km of pipeline, over 100 oil and gas storage facilities, and four years of experience in the sector, there is a lot Guyana can learn from Mexico.

Since commencing operations, de Regules said, 107 contracts have been awarded, US$200 billion committed for future investment, and 74 companies from over 20 countries have visited Mexico to seek investment opportunities.

“Our lesson four years later is that regulatory certainty is a good deal for the industry. This is what we have found out, and we have been working closely with different stakeholders to build these regulations,” he noted.

ASEA has worked with

Executive Director of Mexican ASEA, Carlos de Regules

the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada and other major oil producing countries, and adopted many best practices.

Dr Mark Bynoe, Head of the Department of Energy, described the exchange of information as timely, as Guyana works to build capacity in terms of predictability and regulations in the emerging sector.

“It is important that as we go forward, while we cannot eradicate risks, we develop the framework in which (they) can be managed,” he pointed out.

Also delivering remarks was Head of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers, who noted that the workshop is important to building South-South Cooperation, and would enable Guyana to better understand the environmental safeguards and regulatory regime that Mexico has incorporated in advancing the industry, “even as we

[Guyana] work towards developing our capacity to regulate and to monitor the sector.”

The workshop was declared open by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and remarks were also given by the newly appointed Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams.

Some 35 participants from the Ministry of the Presidency, Natural Resources Ministry, EPA, Department of Environment, Department of Energy, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), Conservation International, University of Guyana (UG), and the private sector are taking part in the sessions.

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana, China share common desire to Guyanese husband, wife busted with cocaine at JFK strengthen economic relations -- Granger P A Guyanese couple’s effort to smuggle hundreds of cocaine pellets into the United States was thwarted, as they were both busted by US Customs and Border officers and are now facing arraignment in the New York Eastern District Court.

The couple, Kurt and Maria Bruney, arrived in New York from Georgetown on September 23. Reports indicate that while the husband was subjected to initial routine security checks, he began to behave in a suspicious manner.

It is reported that after coming down with a bout of profuse sweating and shaking limbs, he was approached by officers to do an X-Ray. It is reportedly then that his partner in crime spilled the beans that they had ingested cocaine pellets.

It is alleged that they both cumulatively had well over 200 cocaine pellets in their systems, with the contents of an excreted pellet testing positive for cocaine.

Reports indicate that a sum of US$6000 was promised for his efforts.

It is understood that the couple’s case is in the docket of the New York Eastern District Court, where a pre-arraignment complaint has been filed against them

Kurt and Maria Bruney

by the state since September 24.

And while they entered into their enterprise together, officials are now keeping them in separate federal holding facilities as they await trial. The couple, who reportedly hail from the East Coast of Demerara, follow in the footsteps of several locals who were busted in the US attempting to smuggle drugs.

Only last month, a search conducted on Guyanese hairdresser Karen Stuffle by CANU ranks at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) resulted in 100 cocaine pellets, totalling 1.42 kilograms, stashed in her va-

gina and stomach, being unearthed. After admitting to the offence, the 48-year-old Stuffle told the court she had been paid some US$400 to traffic the narcotics, and her airfare had also been paid in full.

Days later, Guyanese Alicia Coppin was busted by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) with a quantity of cocaine being stashed in her vaginal cavity, and several cocaine pellets being in her stomach.

She was later taken to a medical facility, where she excreted the drugs, the amount of which has not been disclosed.

India-born Gita Gopinath appointed IMF Chief Economist

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ndia-born economist Gita Gopinath was on Monday appointed as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the organisation said in a statement.

Gopinath will succeed Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld, who would retire at the end of 2018, the IMF said.

She currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

“Gopinath is one of the world’s outstanding economists, with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership, and extensive international experience,” IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said.

Harvard Professor Gita Gopinath did her PhD in economics at Princeton University in 2001

Gopinath did her PhD in economics at Princeton University in 2001 after earning a BA from the

University of Delhi and MA degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington.

(Times of India)

resident David Granger on Monday evening said Guyana shares a common desire with China to deepen and strengthen economic relations and trade, as he noted that China plays a key role in the country’s development.

The Head of State was at the time speaking at a reception held at the New Thriving Restaurant in Providence to honour the Chinese National Day. In his remarks, President Granger said that since Guyana and China established diplomatic relations in June 1972, the two states have maintained mutually beneficial, high-level and friendly relations for forty-six years, based on mutual respect, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and cooperation for mutual benefit.

“Guyana recalls its principled support for United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of October 1971, which recognised the representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of China as “the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations.”

Relations have been cemented through continuous cooperation in culture, defence, education, energy, health, infrastructure, medicine, mining and other fields. This was most evident during the recent visit of His Excellency Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During that visit, Guyana and China seized the opportunity to strengthen our programme of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both states,” he said.

The President noted that Chinese grant resources sup-

President David Granger shares a light moment and a toast with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, at the Chinese National Day celebrations on Monday

port teachers’ training, it’s assistance to the nation’s ICT sector will improve national telecommunications, and Chinese materiel has helped the recapitalisation of the Defence and Police Forces.

“The Belt and Road Initiative is a strong indicator of China’s transformative vision for the world. Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate within the framework of the Initiative.

We welcome increased Chinese investment. We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all investors. International environmental cooperation in the context of the threats posed by climate change and natural disasters is an urgent necessity. We look forward to learning from China’s experience in protecting the environment and in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Guyana and China have much to celebrate,” the Head of State said.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, in his remarks,

echoed similar sentiments as he noted that the relationship between Guyana and China is characterised by friendship and mutual goals. He noted that, over the past year, much success has been achieved between the two nations, and he therefore looks forward to forging stronger ties.

“The relationship between Guyana and China has entered a new chapter.

The Chinese Embassy stands ready and willing to provide more and more opportunities for China-Guyana cooperation and greater achievements.

With our concerted efforts, the China-Guyana relationship will be even brighter in the new era,” he said.

The event was also attended by First Lady Sandra Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo; Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who is performing the functions of Minister of Foreign Affairs; members of the Cabinet; former President Donald Ramotar and Mrs Ramotar, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

12 news Govt unmoved on countrywide property valuations tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

...as Communities Ministry moves ahead with project

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he Government of Guyana is moving ahead with its overhaul of property taxes across the country following Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan’s signing of an agreement with a Canadian company to fund a property and valuation system.

The agreement, which was signed with the Municipal Property Assessments Canada (MPAC) and AxiLogic Inc, will bring the country closer to Government’s drive to bring all property values up to date.

Speaking at the Ministry’s Kingston, Georgetown office, Minister Bulkan said that the project was geared to utilise modern technologies to complete a national inventory of properties, which would then be passed onto the Guyana Valuation Office to implement the necessary changes.

“The scale and scope of this project involves a complete inventory of properties nationally,” the Minister stated.

He added that the project would allow for capacity

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and AxiLogic President Michael Chettleburgh pose with the signed contracts. Also in photo are Communities Ministry Permanent Secretary Emile Mc Garrell, AxiLogic CEO John Psihos, MPAC Representative Antoni Wisniowski and Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee

building for the modernisation of property assessment.

The Minister outlined that the improvements to this system would further advance Local Government organs which are guaranteed in the Constitution of Guyana. He, in fact, stated that such organs were “severely damaged” and degraded over time.

Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee, highlighting the importance that valuation has towards providing ser-

vices, added that the revenue generation initiative would foster development across the country. The first stage of the project will run for 12 months as a pilot in New Amsterdam at a contract cost of US$125,000.

It will assess current property valuations after which shifts in the market will be analysed. Over the next two days, representatives of MPAC and AxiLogic will collaborate with the Communities Ministry to commence the project’s im-

plementation.

Even as property valuations were not assessed in several decades, the topic could be one for intense debate ahead of the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE) as the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said that no increases in rates would be implemented in the areas the Party wins.

When the Party launched its campaign in September, General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo made the announce-

head office on Water Street, Georgetown.

Persaud said that in approximately two weeks’ time, Guyana would be required to resend some 20 containers of rice to Panama, since the last shipment had failed to meet the specification.

Guyana’s rice was rejected on arrival in Panama since it did not meet the stipulated specification as was outlined by that country.

“The containers are being reshipped to Guyana… the contract was for white rice, and parboiled was shipped; that is the issue,” Persaud explained.

He pointed out that, as of now, the impact of the faulty rice being shipped does not seem to be detrimental to the relationship between the countries, but he did say that this will be determined in another two weeks, when the rice arrives.

“I don’t think there is any concern there…we just have to replace the stuff,” he noted.

Several calls made by this publication to the Managing Director of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, went unanswered.

He was, however, reported in sections of the media as saying that the matter was being addressed by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), since it is unclear what actually had transpired in Panama.

The GRBD has come in for some harsh criticism from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alesie Group of Companies, Turhane Doerga, who questioned the rationale for shipping the rice to Guyana’s most lucrative market without an inspection being done.

ment. Government had, however, outlined that rate hikes would be up to local officials after the valuations were complete. The Opposition is, however, holding out that upon the coalition’s assumption to office in 2015, it has increased over 200 taxes and was collecting some “$60 billion more per year now compared to 2014” from residents.

“Any area that the PPP wins, we will not increase rates and taxes...people who vote APNU [A Partnership

for National Unity] will be voting to increase their taxes,” the former President had indicated.

Last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that efforts were being made to ensure the stability and self-sufficiency of the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs), to reduce dependence on subventions from central Government. He noted then that revenue for the LDOs came from rates applied to properties valued under a regime system that dates back to the 1970s.

The Government has expressed its dissatisfaction with the national valuation system, noting that it showed an extended neglect of the local government system. This has led to the recognition of the importance of restoring the effectiveness of the Valuation Department, to provide support to the councils and to modernise the system for property evaluation.

MPAC was contracted

by Government for approximately $330 million to assist with the exercise. The project is expected to last until next year.

Guyana to send new shipment of rice to Panama

D

ays after reports surfaced that Panama had rejected some 20 containers of rice from Guyana, another shipment is expected to leave these shores soon for that country.

This was related to Guyana Times by President of the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association (GREMA), Rajindra Persaud, following a meeting with rice millers held at the John Fernandes

GREMA President Rajindra Persaud

Back in 2014, Guyana had signed a five-year agreement with Panama, under the previous administration, to have its product marketed.

With the collapse of the lucrative PetroCaribe (rice for oil) Venezuela market in 2015, the challenges faced within the rice industry

have been significant.

The PetroCaribe deal was set to expire in November 2015, but Venezuela axed the rice deal months before the official due date.

However, Government had said that the Spanishspeaking nation may still be purchasing Guyana’s rice, but through neighbouring Suriname.

The PetroCaribe deal was sealed by then President Bharrat Jagdeo and late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Under this deal, Guyana was required to pay upfront a percentage of the cost of fuel acquired from Venezuela, with the balance, which was placed in the PetroCaribe Fund at the Bank of Guyana, being treated as a loan repayable over 23 years with a twoyear grace period and two per cent interest.

Drivers slapped with DUI, causing death charges

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ieron Deodat, 25, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), was slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge and appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Deodat, who is a sales representative at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), is accused of causing the death of Jason Marques during a two-vehicle smash-up on Sunday, September 30, 2018.

The charge read that on September 30, 2018 at Carmichael and Middle

Streets, Georgetown, he drove motor vehicle PRR 4249 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Jason Marques.

In court on Monday, there were no objections to the defendant being granted his pre-trial liberty and as such, he was released on $350,000 bail. The case will continue on October 11, 2018.

Meanwhile, also on Monday, Deodat appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer where he was charged for driving under the influence (DUI).

He denied that charge and

was released on $25,000 bail.

Meanwhile, Deon Jerrick, who was the driver of pick-up truck PMM 528, which was also involved in the collision, was also granted bail by Magistrate Mittelholzer for driving under the influence.

He was also charged for driving vehicle PMM 528 with glass tinted beyond the legally prescribed Visible Light Transmission percentage. Jerrick denied the charges. He was released on $35,000 bail. The cases will continue on November 14, 2018.

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt signs US$8M contracts Govt, Church must become partners to address social to build 2 new schools ills – Minister Harmon

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lans are currently in the pipeline to upgrade schools across the country to 21st Century standards according to the Education Ministry’s Project Coordinator for Secondary Education Improvement Project (SEIP), Jimmy Bhojdat, on Monday as the Ministry signed two contracts to facilitate the construction of two secondary schools.

The new schools will be constructed in Good Hope, East Coast Demerara and Westminster, Parfaite Harmonie, West Coast Demerara. These projects will be undertaken by BK International and R Bassoo and Sons Contracting Services to the tune of some US$4,082,506.80 and US$4,795,595.67 respective-

Roy Bassoo of R Bassoo and Sons Contracting Services signing the contract documents along with Permanent Secretary within the Education Ministry, Adele Clarke. Also looking on is Education Minister Nicolette Henry

These two projects fall under the SEIP and are being funded by the World Bank.

It was related by the Ministry’s Permanent

sic and dance; the building will also include an industrial technology room where wood-working, metalwork and technical drawing will

An artist’s impression of the Westminster Secondary School

ly.

The schools are expected to be completed within 15 months according to the Project Coordinator.

The new Westminster Secondary School will be constructed to accommodate 1000 students, and the Good Hope Secondary School will cater for 800 students.

Secretary, Adele Clarke that new schools would feature a multi-purpose hall; an administrative building; home economics room; science laboratories for physics, chemistry and biology; library; computer laboratory and an audio-visual room.

Provisions will also be made for arts subjects such as mu-

be facilitated.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Nicolette Henry addressing the contractors, urged them both to ensure that the schools were built within the standards and expectations of the Education Ministry so that the new facilities could serve the nation’s children.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the signing, Bhojdat explained that the Ministry was currently in the process of upgrading all secondary schools.

“We don’t want to be building the same old models that exist and so we are upgrading the different departments which are going to be of a higher standard to allow students to attain the various certifications,” Bhojdat disclosed.

He said it was expected the new structures should be of the standard of Caribbean schools. Asked whether the Ministry was bothered about the inferiority students who do not attend these new schools being built might feel, the Coordinator explained, “This is just one of the many projects that the Ministry is doing. There are other projects that are tackling upgrading.”

One of those projects, according to him, which is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will facilitate upgrade works to schools. He was unable to say when the upgrade works would be completed to those schools and would only say that the project was ongoing.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon speaking at the Restoration and Life Ministries (RLM) special service held in observance of the church’s 11th anniversary on Sunday evening

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inister of State, Joseph Harmon on Sunday evening sounded a call for the Church and other faithbased organisations to partner with the Government to address social ills, noting that the two entities share common goals and a vision of a good life for citizens.

The Minister of State was at the time addressing the congregation of the Restoration and Life Ministries (RLM) in South Ruimveldt at a special service held in observance of the church’s 11th anniversary, which was held under the theme, “Striving for Perfection.”

He noted that the Government and the Church must work together to build social cohesion, moral rearmament, human dignity, and equal opportunity for all Guyanese. This, he said, therefore makes the Government and faith-based organisations natural partners in the fight against racial and ethnic division, discrimination, poverty, crime, and all other social ills that plague society.

“Like your church, the Government strive every day to improve its approach to policy-making and im-

plementation. This is never easily achieved. However, it is important that we keep trying. Our efforts are certainly made easier with the input of faith-based organisations such as yours. The Government is cognisant of the fact that this church serves the community and provides spiritual succour and important relief for the members and community.

I am inspired by the leadership and the work of the church,” he said.

Referencing President David Granger’s speech at the Solomon’s Temple in Berbice in August 2017, Minister Harmon said that the Church must play a greater role in fostering social cohesion and national unity.

He, therefore, called for a concerted effort to be undertaken even as the country prepared for the new oil and gas industry, which he said would bring even more spiritual and technical challenges.

Meanwhile, Founder and Senior Pastor of the RLM, Wade Ridley said that the church “had small beginnings”, but has now grown to provide spiritual guidance and community service to hundreds.

Supenaam-Good Hope youths call for Govt’s intervention to fix sport facility

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ouths in SupenaamGood Hope and neighbouring villages on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (SupenaamPomeroon), are calling on Government to fix the community centre to facilitate sports and other events, which will help them to engage in meaningful activities.

The call by the young people was echoed and reiterated by Coach and educator Albert Tucker. Tucker told Guyana Times that the plot of land, which was given to the community for sports, if fixed, would be a tribute to young people being constructively engaged.

The land is in Good Hope village. He said that last

year the Social Cohesion Ministry had promised to donate some money towards the development of the ground, but that promise was yet to materialise.

Presently, the ground is in a deplorable state. The Coach added that once assistance was given by the Government, the community was willing to assist in

The Community Centre building is being taken over by vegetation

The current state of the Good Hope ground

the works to be carried out.

He added that they could also adapt the Community Centre building, next door to the ground, which was presently not functioning and was slowly being

taken over by vegetation.

According to the Coach, he is presently engaging the youths, both male and female, in cricket and football, but space to practice is the problem. He said

that he was hoping that the Administration would come on board and fix the Community Centre Ground, to encourage youths to engage in positive activities.

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Town Clerk cannot grant lease NYC-based Guyanese unilaterally – former Councillor charged for throwing

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ith concerns and questions being raised about the granting of a lease to a shipping company by Town Clerk Royston King in recent times, former Councillor of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Eon Andrews, indicated that such decisions must be taken by the councillors.

Testifying at Monday’s Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Andrews indicated that the Town Clerk’s main role is to execute final decisions that are approved by the councillors during statutory meetings.

He explained that when an application for a lease is presented, the Town Clerk is required to convene a meeting between the Legal Affairs Committee, the City Works and Public Health Department and the Finance Committee of the Council. Officials would examine the documents, and if it is approved, the Town Clerk would place the matter on the agenda for the next statutory meeting.

Town Clerk Royston King

There is no exception to this matter, unless there is an emergency in the city. If this arises, a round robin is formed to inform councillors immediately.

In respect to granting tax amnesty for defaulting taxpayers, the Council is also required to make a decision, since the Town Clerk is “not the chief negotiator.”

“He has to carry out the instructions of the Council, because, at the statuto-

ry (meeting), most of these things are voted on.”

Andrews wase asked questions in relation to this issue so as to get a clear picture of how the Council is supposed to function. It comes at a time when other councillors have testified into City Hall’s operation, stating that decisions were taken by the Town Clerk without being deliberated upon at statutory meetings. A recent instance

is the $125million contract that was allocated towards the restoration of the Le Repentir Cemetery which was finalised after a unilateral decision.

Andrews said, “He has to notify the Council; and unless that is done, payments for anything else would not be done, because it was not approved…You have to get at least 16 of those 30 [councillors] to agree.”

It was understood that the Lot 1Mudflat, Lombard Street property was also leased to Quick Shipping Inc by King, whereby they were given permission to operate on a piece of land at the cost of $625,000 per year. However, the land is owned by the National Industrial and Commerical Investments Limited (NICIL). Additionally, the former councillor noted that all lands which are owned by the Council are supposed to be within the remit of the Engineer’s Department.

Therefore, information would be present as to what is available for leasing.

Robotics, self-reliance workshops taken to North Rupununi

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ome 100 residents of the North Rupununi, in the Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo Region (Region Nine) will benefit from two workshops focused on robotics and business, compliments of First Lady Sandra Granger.

The residents, comprising both youth and adults, will be engaged in the workshops, which started today and will conclude Friday. Granger, on Monday morning, declared open the workshops at the Bina Hill Institute, where it was disclosed that a group of 60 students from the Annai Primary and Secondary schools as well as the Bina Hill Institute will be trained in STEM/ robotics. The remaining 40 community members will be trained in the area of self-reliance and success in business.

The workshops will be conducted separately by STEM Guyana and Interweave Solutions, with the Self-Reliance Workshop being supported by the Ministry of Social Protection. The First Lady, in her opening remarks, encouraged the participants to think about the possibilities technology can provide.

“It is predicted that by 2050, sixty percent of the jobs will be done by robots,” she said, noting that currently 50 percent of the existing jobs are being done by robots.

As such, the First

First Lady Sandra Granger chats with students of North Rupununi, Region Nine, on Monday

Lady stressed the need for young people, particularly women, to get involved in STEM/Robotics.

“This is why I am very keen on getting our young ladies interested in STEM,” Granger added, while noting that involvement in STEM and Robotics should not be seen as an imposition on indigenous cultures, but rather organising the community to perform in the 21st century.

“This doesn’t mean that we ignore our culture or the beauties of the arts… but we need to know that if we are going to function in the 21st century, we need to have the skills,” she stated. Upon completion of the workshop each student will receive a robot which they

can program.

Meanwhile, the First Lady told participants of the ‘Self-Reliance and Success in Business’ workshop that there are numerous business opportunities within their communities.

“Here, in Annai, there are tremendous possibilities…

Annai is famous for what I know as “full belly mangoes”. Why can’t you have a fruit processing or fruit juice processing manufacturing plant here, so that the mangoes don’t just fall on the ground when they are in season; but you have some being dried, and some being preserved, and some being used for fruit juice…

You can have a big market here, and that’s just one possibility,” Mrs Granger

declared.

“You can come together and work as a coop in your community, or work individually; but the idea is that you become economically empowered and you take it from there,” she added. Senior Councillor and Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board, Jacqueline Allicock, described the initiative by the First Lady as the “beginning of a new dream” for the North Rupununi, and encouraged participants to capitalise on the training and information.

The First Lady’s Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop has thus far trained 1500 persons.

brother from building

Shawn Smith

Shimron Smith

onths before he allegedly threw his four-year-old brother to his death off a Brooklyn roof, Shawn Smith had been showing signs of trouble.

Smith, 20, was planning to immigrate to New York with his family last December, but mental health issues had forced him to stay at a hospital in Guyana before he was able to join the rest of his family, relatives said on Sunday.

According to the NY Daily News, months after arriving in New York, Smith broke down a heavy door in his family’s Flatlands apartment, prompting his frightened mother to call 911.

He landed in Kings County Hospital for more psychiatric treatment.

“He spent three weeks there, and when he come back he was okay,” mother Odessa Frith, 39, said Sunday. “Everything was okay,” she was quoted as saying by the NY Daily News.

But other relatives could tell something remained seriously wrong with Smith.

“You could see in his eyes he was deteriorating,” said Robin Frith, who is married to Smith’s grandfather. “He was a sick person, you could see it!”

On Saturday, Smith finally snapped.

He flagged down cops near his family’s home around 3:30 a.m., and led them to little Shimron Smith’s broken body in the courtyard of their seven-storey building on Nostrand Ave. near Avenue K. Authorities say he calmly told the cops he had tossed his brother from the roof about 45 minutes earlier.

He confessed to the shocking crime a second time while in Police custody, according to Police sources.

“I’ve finally become a criminal!” Smith told reporters as he was walked out of the 70th Precinct stationhouse on Saturday night in a Tyvek suit.

Little Shimron had just started pre-K at Public School 119 Amersfort a few weeks ago. A heartbreaking photo shared with the Daily News shows him on his first day proudly holding a pintsized gray-and-green backpack.

“It’s a shock. I didn’t brush my teeth for two days,” his grief-stricken

grandfather Keith Frith told the Daily News Sunday. “I didn’t shower for two days. I just get up, And I’m numb.”

The boy, playful and cheery as always, had last visited their home a few weeks ago. Robin Frith was cooking chowmein that day.

“He came to me and he says to me, ‘I’m hungry, Auntie’,” Robin Frith recalled. “He ended up leaving before dinner was completed,” she said. “That will stay in my head all the time, because that’s the last thing we had spoken about, that he wanted to eat the food.”

The tot was inseparable from his 5-year-old brother Steven — and often acted like the older sibling.

“Shimron acted like the grown up. Shimron would engage Steven and he would tell him what to do,” Robin Frith chuckled. “He was a special character . . .

Shimron was a smart kid.”

Now Steven is trying to comprehend he’ll never see his little brother again.

“He know what happened, but he still doesn’t understand,” mother Odessa Frith said. “He want to know when Shimron comes back, why he’s taking so long.”

“My baby was just a joy,” Odessa said of little Shimron. “He touched everyone’s hearts.”

Relatives said Smith often refused to take the medication he was prescribed when he was discharged from the hospital after breaking the door, because he believed it was poison.

“If you’re schizophrenic, you’re hearing voices and (they’re) telling you what to do,” Robin Frith said. “There were people (from the hospital) who were visiting the house and he wasn’t speaking to them.” Despite his struggles, he worked a parttime job with his cousin doing demolition work.

His mother was baffled about what could drive him to commit such unspeakable horror.

“I don’t know. I ask myself,” she said. “Even the night before it happened, all of us, we sit here on the chair over here, we’re sitting and laughing and laughing.”

Smith was charged with murder after his arrest.

His arraignment was postponed on Sunday while he was evaluated at Bellevue Hospital. (NY Daily News)

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

8 hinterland communities to receive wells by year-end ─ Guyana-Brazil well drilling mission officially begins

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he Guyana-Brazil well drilling mission, which will see the construction work of eight wells in eight South Rupununi communities, was officially launched today at the Lethem Amerindian Hostel.

Declaring the mission open, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon noted that this agreement between the governments of Guyana and Brazil is a clear sig-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

nal of the strong 50-year friendship and diplomatic relations between the two South American neighbours and has the potential to bring unprecedented relief to the citizens of Region Nine.

Meanwhile, Colonel, Emerson Deni, Military Attache, BEC noted that in this project the Brazilian Army is deploying the sixth Construction Engineering Battalion from Boa Vista,

Too many youths committing crimes – Ramjattan

…says system for Juvenile Justice Bill still a work in progress

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ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is of the view that too many juveniles are beginning delinquent careers at a young age, before continuing to offend as they grow older. And their activities may start from the time that some adults enable them to consume alcohol.

Ramjattan was a keynote speaker at a sensitisation workshop for the Juvenile Justice Bill at the Marriott Hotel on Monday.

He then related the observation he made when visiting the prison that many of the inmates started out as juvenile offenders.

“When we go into the prisons, we see that a lot of the prisoners were people who committed crimes early,” Ramjattan noted. “And they continued into adulthood. So if we start nipping it in the bud, prevention is obviously going to be a cure for adulthood. That’s why we want to start it, too many continue offending into their adult lives.

“Because of that, they damage their own lives.

They cause destruction, harm, and distress. So, we want to see this Act reflecting that modern philosophy of juvenile justice and strengthening the justice system to ensure they do not go to jail. I don’t want our young people to constitute a jailhouse nation,” he said, noting the need to reduce crime through smart measures.

But when it comes to implementing the Juvenile Justice Bill, the Minister revealed that the Government was yet to appoint a director of the Juvenile Justice Committee or acquire facilities for remanded juveniles.

In addition, he confirmed that the commencement order has not been issued for the Bill.

“We still have not appointed a director of the Juvenile Justice Committee board. We haven’t as yet gotten temporary facilities for the children who have been remanded, where they will go, rather than the state of things now. We would prefer them in better facilities, more accommodating.

which will be sending 48 military personnel the mission.

“The teams will begin the drilling wells in South Rupununi from October 4th with two drilling teams working ten days in two simultaneous locations… We will have other teams to set up the wells in the eight villages.” Colonel Deni said, “It is paramount that the communities have a regular supply of potable water all year round.”

Two of the wells will be drilled by the Guyana

“It is important to know that in this project there will be critical capacity building with the transfer of knowledge of well drilling techniques and also we will be in a position to address some of these concerns on our own not only in the technical level, but, more importantly, the community level,” Minister Harmon explained.

Defence Force.

Mayor of Lethem, Kerry Jarvis and Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock both welcomed the project noting its necessity to aid

A section of the gathering on Monday at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown

“As you know, this is an extraordinarily important Act that has come into being earlier this year. I had promised that we would have the commencement order done. It still hasn’t been done. It’s before the chambers of the Attorney General and they’re working on it. We have to put things in place before we can have the completion.”

The Juvenile Justice Bill was passed in the National Assembly earlier this year.

It would repeal the 1931 Juvenile Offenders Act and the Training Schools Act, abolishing offences like truancy and wandering.

The draft bill was conceived in 2004 under the former Administration, with the support and input of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In fact, UNICEF representative Sylvie Fouet was one of several stakeholders present at the workshop.

She noted the important role that the media plays in disseminating information and sensitising the public on juvenile justice. In her address to the gathering, Guyana Press Association President Nazima Raghubir also called on the media to be responsible when reporting on matters involving juveniles.

Rehabilitation

It has been touted that the Bill will provide timely intervention that reinforce the link between the offending behaviour and its consequences; inform and involve parents of juveniles in measures or proceedings, and ensure that victims are provided with information about the proceedings and

are given an opportunity to participate and be heard and, wherever possible, contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of the juveniles.

Moreover, in accordance with the Act, the application of measures taken against juveniles who commit offences will reinforce respect for societal values; ensure fair and proportionate accountability; encourage the repair of harm done to victims and the community; and where appropriate, involve the parents, the extended family, the community and social or other agencies in the juvenile’s rehabilitation, education and reintegration.

Depending on the nature of the offence, the Juvenile Justice Bill 2018 provides “Diversions”, which are considered to “often [be] the most appropriate and effective way to address juvenile crime allowing “for effective and timely interventions focused on correcting offending behaviour.

Diversion measures, according to the Bill, shall not be exploitative, harmful or hazardous to the physical or mental health of the juvenile, shall be appropriate to the age and maturity of the juvenile, and shall not interfere with the education of the juvenile.

Some of the examples of “diversion measures” provided by the Bill include “an oral or written apology to a specified person or institution”, “placement by the court under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Probation Officer” or “referral by the court to counselling or therapy for a specified period”.

The gathering at the opening ceremony for the Guyana-Brazil well drilling mission

farmers and ranchers with their produce and animals.

In 2017, a Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement

on Technical Cooperation was signed between the Presidents of Guyana and Brazil, for the Brazilian Army Engineering and Construction Battalion (BEC) to drill eight wells.

The wells will be drilled at Aishalton, Chukrikednau, Karaudarnau, Achiwuib, A w a r u w a u n a u , Maruranau, Shea and Baisahidrum and will have a depth of 250m or 800ft deep.

They are expected to be handed over to the Government of Guyana on November 28.

200 men to benefit from free prostate cancer screening ...with aid of new technology

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n an effort to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths locally, the Guyana Cancer Foundation has embarked on a new project whereby 200 men will be able to benefit from free prostate cancer screening beginning today.

The process will be done via a new type of screening which was launched at GTT’s Pinktober.

This was related by the founder of the NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), Bibi Hassan during an interview with Guyana Times on Monday.

According to her, the new screening programme – the Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) will replace the physical test. With the PSA, a blood sample will be taken and tested for cancer.

Hassan said that the Foundation continued in its quest, with the help of its major sponsors – GTT; Scotiabank; Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI); Twins Manufacturing Chemists and several others.

According to Hassan, the screening is applicable to men 35 years and older.

She informed that the men would be required to have a brief interview with her before a decision is made whether they were actually in need of the screening.

Hassan did, however, point out that men would not be turned down because of their financial ability since the Foundation was there to assist everyone.

Men who are interest-

ed in having themselves screened for the dreaded disease can contact the founder on 618-2085 or visit the newly-commissioned office at Lot 9 Third Avenue and Sheriff Street, Subryanville, Georgetown Monday to Friday between 11:00h and 17:30h.

The screening programme is being done in collaboration with the Woodlands Hospital. The cost for a prostate cancer screening is usually about $12,000 at other locations in the country. Hassan informed that this screening programme would continue until the Foundation reached its 200-person target.

In addition to this programme for men, the Foundation also has an ongoing breast cancer screening for 200 women; close to 100 women have already taken advantage of the service.

Last month was dedicated to prostate cancer awareness, while October has been dubbed Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the world.

According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2017, prostate cancer deaths in Guyana reached 89 or 1.54 per cent of total deaths.

The age adjusted death rate is 44.40 per 100,000 persons, ranking Guyana at number 13 in the world.

A report from the Public Health Ministry back in 2014 showed that cancer was the third leading cause

of mortality in Guyana with Ischemic Heart Diseases coming at second and Cerebrovascular Diseases at number one. Prostate, breast, lung and cervical cancers are the main categories affecting the Guyanese population.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the report shows that during the period 2004-2011, over 3400 persons died from various forms of cancer, with the largest number of deaths being 621 in 2011.

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate – a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

It is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm.

However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

When this type of cancer is detected early, or while it is still confined to the prostate gland, it has a better chance of successful treatment.

While it may show little or no symptoms in early stages, but trouble urinating, blood in semen and erectile dysfunction are a few of the serious warning signs men experience.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TuesdAY, october 2, 2018

Regional

Catholic Church UN court rules against Chile’s criticised over guidelines regarding sexual abuse Bolivia in sea spat C T he International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled against Bolivia in its dispute with neighbouring Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean – a feud dating back to the late 19th Century.

Landlocked Bolivia lost access to the sea in 1884 after a war with Chile and has tried to regain it ever since.

The court said Chile was not obliged to negotiate granting Bolivia access.

The ruling, which comes after five years of deliberations, is final and binding.

Despite the final nature of the ruling, Bolivian President Evo Morales said “Bolivia will never give up”.

Judges at the United Nations’ top court did not rule on whether Chile or Bolivia had the rights to the disputed coastal stretch, it

Aymara priests performed a ritual to send their “energy” to the judges in The Hague

only ruled on whether Chile had an obligation to negotiate with Bolivia.

Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf announced that the court found by 12

votes to three that Chile did not have such an obligation.

The ruling is a major setback for President Evo Morales, who was present at the court in The Hague

as the ruling was read out.

As the Judge dismissed Bolivia’s arguments one by one, Morales’s face turned increasingly sombre. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Nearly 2 million Venezuelans flee crisis since 2015 – UN

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early two million people have fled Venezuela’s economic and political crisis since 2015, the United Nations said Monday, calling for a “non-political” response to an exodus that is straining regional resources.

“Some 5000 people are now leaving Venezuela daily — the largest population movement in Latin

America’s recent history,” United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi told the organisation’s executive committee.

“A non-political and humanitarian approach is essential to help States receiving them in growing numbers,” he added.

Citing Government data, UNHCR spokesman William Spindler told AFP

that 1.9 million people had left the country since 2015, an increase on a previous count of 1.6 million.

According to the UNHCR, 2.6 million Venezuelans are now living abroad.

Colombia, which has taken in more than a million Venezuelans, called last week for a regional response, saying the migrant crisis was costing it about

0.5 per cent of GDP — around US$1.5 million.

Grandi applauded Latin American countries for keeping their borders open, but said the regional response needed more “coherence”. But the countries concerned also needed more support, he conceded.

Oil income-dependent Venezuela’s economic woes began in 2014 with the crash in the price of crude.

(Excerpt from AFP)

Barbados: Independent Senator sworn in

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he swearing in of Governor Generalappointed independent Senator Alphea Wiggins marks eight women in the House of Senate.

Wiggins, who would have missed the earlier swearing in ceremony that took place on June 4 earlier this year, as she was in London, is set to play an important role in the country’s business sector as part of her remit.

She gave her oath of allegiance during a very brief swearing-in ceremony at Government House Sunday morning, surrounded by supportive family members and friends.

Following the brief ceremony, the newly swornin Senator told the media that she was truly honoured to have been named an independent Senator by the Governor General, and added that she was happy to be back in the land of her birth.

When asked about her plans going forward, Wiggins expressed that those would depend on the

Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason looking on as Independent Senator Alphea Wiggins takes the Oath of Office at Government House

agenda that was set.

In response to one reporter’s question on her thoughts of the increasing number of women serving in politics, Wiggins said that it was truly a privilege to have been chosen by the Governor General to serve among the increasing number of females over the years.

“Women in general have been taking leading roles here in Barbados,” she said.

“We women are coming of age.” (Barbados Advocate)

hile’s Roman Catholic Church was criticised by victims’ groups on Monday as having “poor judgment” and being arrogant after it apologised for a manual published on the website of Santiago’s archbishop instructing priests and other Church workers not to “touch the genitals of” or “sleep with” children.

The document, posted last Thursday, provided guidelines for the interaction of church staff with the lay community and was signed by Santiago Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati, who is under investigation for allegedly covering-up abuse.

It was to be discussed with Chilean congregations before being approved as official guidelines, but the document was removed from the website on Friday after media reports and social media criticism of the necessity for such basic guidelines.

Juan Carlos Cruz, who was sexually abused by a priest as a boy and travelled to the Vatican this year to meet with Pope Francis, said it was “outrageous” that it should be necessary to explain to anyone that touching children’s genitals was wrong.

“To publish this without anyone raising alarm shows their arrogance and lack of attention to what they’re doing,” he said. “It’s a reflection of their attitude.”

Marcial Sanchez, a Chilean Church historian who has campaigned for the Church to pay closer attention to accusations of abuse, said the Church’s apologies over such accusations and how it handles them were beginning to ring hollow.

“This shows there are still people in the senior leadership of the church who lack judgment and don’t understand the depth of this crisis,” Sanchez said. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Trinidad: Over TT$50M a year in pay for rogue cops

R

ogue Police Officers are costing the state more than TT$50 million a year. At present, there are more than 300 Police Officers currently on suspension being paid as much as three quarters of their salary.

Information from the Communications Department of the T&T Police Service (TTPS) shows that between 2011 and 2018 some 157 Police Officers were charged with criminal offences and have matters pending in court.

In May, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) said in just six months it had investigated 361 complaints about bad behaving Police Officers from members of the public. Those complaints were filed between October 2017 and March 2018 but only 17 of them were submitted to then acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams The PCA said four cases were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and one file was sent to the Police Service Commission (PSC). However, no action has been taken in 339 of the matters.

The Professional

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith is cracking down on rogue cops

Standards Bureau (PSB) of the TTPS received some 444 reports and complaints which led to the 157 charges laid against officers. As long as those matters are not resolved in the courts, the officers will continue to earn a portion of their salary and could even collect their full benefits when they retire.

Police Social and Welfare Association President, Inspector Michael Seales said depending on the charges, some officers can still receive their full salary even while in prison.

“It can be three quarter or half, it can be a full salary,” Seales said. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

Antigua PM takes WTO trade dispute to UN F

ifteen years after Antigua and Barbuda won the World Trade Organisation (WTO) arbitration against the United States, Prime Minister Gaston Browne lamented that the nation is still waiting on the billions of dollars in damages yet to be paid.

Speaking at the recent United Nations General

Assembly, Browne noted that the WTO was not a perfect mechanism in solving trade disputes. He added that the body could not enforce its rulings, and Antigua and Barbuda continued to wait for an acceptable settlement.

“The US economy is 20,000 times larger than Antigua and Barbuda’s.

Compensation for the in-

jury to my small country is less than 0.008 per cent of one year of the US’s [Gross Domestic Product] GDP. The injury that was done to my country now amounts to 20 per cent of its GDP. No country can easily absorb that severe blow which hurts our economy, sets back our infrastructural development and constrains the provisions of

employment and advances in health and education,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister said that the ability of the people of his small island nation to survive this ordeal, while continuing to thrive, speaks volumes to their resilience.

He added that the discussions about global financial reform should not

be centred only on a few world leaders.

During the address to the 73rd General Assembly, Browne took the opportunity to call for the inclusion of all United Nations member states.

He said that only a few privileged nations were making decisions that impact the livelihoods of billions. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

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Around the World

Canada, US deal saves NAFTA as trilateral pact

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he United States and Canada forged a lastgasp deal on Sunday to salvage NAFTA as a trilateral pact with Mexico, rescuing a three-country, $1.2 trillion open-trade zone that had been about to collapse after nearly a quarter century.

In a big victory for his agenda to shake-up an era of global free trade that many associate with the signing of NAFTA in 1994, President Donald Trump coerced Canada and Mexico to accept more restrictive commerce with their main export partner.

Trump’s primary objective in reworking NAFTA

was to bring down U.S. trade deficits, a goal he has also pursued with China, by imposing hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on imported goods from the Asian giant.

While the new United States-

Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) avoids tariffs, it will make it harder for global auto makers to build cars cheaply in Mexico and is aimed at bringing more jobs into the United States. (Reuters)

Nobel Prize for medicine goes to cancer therapy

T

wo scientists who discovered how to fight cancer using the body’s immune system have won the 2018 Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine.

The work, by Professor James P Allison from the US and Professor Tasuku Honjo from Japan, has led to treatments for advanced, deadly skin cancer.

Immune checkpoint therapy has revolutionised cancer treatment, said the prize-giving Swedish Academy.

Experts say it has proved to be “strikingly effective”.

Prof Allison, of the University of Texas, and Prof Honjo, of Kyoto University, will share the Nobel prize sum of nine million Swedish kronor - about US$1.01 million or

Professor James P Allison

870,000 euros.

Accepting the prize, Tasuku Honjo told reporters: “I want to continue my research ... so that this immune therapy will save more cancer patients than ever.”

Prof Allison said: “It’s a great, emotional privilege to meet cancer patients who’ve

Professor Tasuku Honjo and his team at Kyoto University

been successfully treated with immune checkpoint blockade.

They are living proof of the power of basic science, of following our urge to learn and to understand how things work.”

Some cancers can take advantage of those “brakes” and dodge the attack too.

Allison and Honjo, now both in their 70s, discovered a way to unleash our immune cells to attack tumours by turning off proteins that put the brakes on.

And that led to the development of new drugs which now offer hope to patients with advanced and previously untreatable cancer.

Immune checkpoint therapy is being used by the NHS to treat people with the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma.

It doesn’t work for everyone, but for some patients it appears to have worked incredibly well, getting rid of the tumour entirely, even after it had started to spread around the body.

Such remarkable results had never been seen before for patients like these. (BBC News)

Oil rises to 2014 highs

O

il futures jumped more than US$2 a barrel Monday, rising to levels not seen since November 2014, as US sanctions on Iran loom and a North American trade deal fosters growth.

Brent futures LCOc1 settled at US$84.98 a barrel, up US$2.25, or 2.7 percent. In post-settlement trade, the contract continued to strengthen, rising to US$85.45 a barrel, the first trade above US$85 since November 2014.

US light crude futures CLc1 were up US$2.05 a barrel at US$75.30, the highest since November 2014.

The United States and Canada forged a deal on Sunday to salvage the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a trilateral pact with Mexico.

Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago, said the NAFTA deal would boost oil prices because it “increases the

Pump jacks operate in front of a drilling rig in an oil field in Midland, Texas, US, August 22, 2018 (Reuters/Nick Oxford/File Photo)

growth prospects not only for Canada and the US, but for North America as a whole.”

Investors have loaded up on options that give the holder the right to buy Brent at $90 by the end of October. Open interest in call options at US$90 has risen by nearly 12,000 lots in the past week to 38,000 lots, or 38 million barrels.

Exchange data show hedge funds’ combined net long position in Brent and US light crude futures and

options at its largest since late July, equivalent to about 850 million barrels. Higher oil prices and a strong US dollar could hit demand growth next year, analysts said. For now, the market is focused on US sanctions on Iran, which take effect on November 4 and are designed to cut crude exports from the Number three producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. (Reuters)

Indonesia earthquake and tsunami: Dead buried in mass grave

V

olunteers have begun burying victims of Indonesia’s deadly earthquake and tsunami in a mass grave.

Friday’s disaster devastated swathes of the eastern Sulawesi island and has left at least 844 people dead.

Some remote areas have yet to be contacted, and there are fears that the death toll could rise further.

A lack of heavy lifting equipment is hampering rescuers’ attempts to reach people who remain alive in the ruins of collapsed buildings.

Dozens of people are feared to be underneath the rubble of one hotel alone, the Roa-Roa in the devastated resort of Palu.

In Sigi, south of Palu, the bodies of 34 children were found at a church which was engulfed in mud and debris, Indonesia Red Cross spokeswoman Aulia Arriani was

Volunteers filling a mass grave were instructed to prepare for a total of 1300 victims

quoted as saying by Reuters.

She said the children were on a “Bible camp”.

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency confirmed to the BBC that none of the country’s tsunami detector buoys were working before Sulawesi was hit.

Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said the 21 floating detection units - which are connect-

ed to deep sea sensors - had been damaged by vandals or stolen.

A tsunami warning was still sent out - but it appears to have drastically underestimated the scale of the waves that would follow.

Many people in Palu did not receive alerts because of power cuts caused by the tremor. There were also no sirens located along the coast. (BBC News)

Brett Kavanaugh’s classmate Bootleg alcohol kills at least 42 in Iran says he lied about drinking A

A

classmate of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has accused the judge of lying under oath about “heavy” alcoholic drinking.

Charles Ludington said he was “deeply troubled” Kavanaugh’s “blatant mischaracterisation”.

The judge denies drinking to the point of memory loss. The matter forms part of an FBI inquiry into the judge, as do allegations of sexual assault, which he also denies.

President Donald Trump said he had not limited the inquiry’s scope.

The FBI inquiry has delayed a final vote on Judge Kavanaugh, who if confirmed is likely to make America’s highest court more conservative.

Rachel Mitchell, the Arizona prosecutor hired by Republicans

to question one of the judge’s accusers, Prof Christine Blasey Ford, during hearings last week, gave her memo to senators on Sunday.

In it, she questioned Prof Ford’s credibility, calling her case weak and saying she did not think “that a reasonable prosecutor would bring this case based on the evidence before the Committee.”

Prof Ludington, who teaches at North Carolina State University, said he had seen Judge Kavanaugh slurring his words and staggering after excessive alcohol consumption while at Yale.

The professor also said Judge Kavanaugh “was often belligerent and aggressive” when drunk.

(BBC News)

t least 42 people have died after drinking contaminated bootleg alcohol in Iran, a government spokesman said.

Health ministry spokesman Iraj Harirchi said 16 people had gone blind and 170 had undergone dialysis after trying the tainted drink.

In the past three weeks, at least 460 people across five provinces have been hospitalised, with the youngest victim a 19-year-old woman.

Alcohol is illegal in Iran but bootleg booze is widespread.

However, ethanol is sometimes reportedly replaced with toxic methanol in the contaminated drink.

Police in the southern city of Bandar Abbas last week arrested a couple for allegedly producing homemade alcohol.

BBC Persian’s Rana Rahimpour says it is not unusual for tainted alcohol to cause injuries or deaths in Iran, but what is surprising is the significant numbers of deaths and the

Iranian Police dispose of confiscated alcohol (Getty image)

spread of the problem to a number of provinces.

Analysts spoken to by the BBC’s Persian service believe the economic impact of the US pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal may be playing a part.

With the collapse in the value of

the Iranian currency against the dollar, people may be turning to cheap, homemade alcohol over expensive foreign imports.

Iranian anti-drugs officials believe that every year 80 million litres of alcohol worth US$730 million (£559 million) is smuggled into Iran. (BBC News)

18

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018

ARCHIE

An emotional situation will throw you off your game.

(March 21- Try not to let what’s going on April 19) at home interfere with your work life, and vice versa.

Keep business and personal problems separate.

ARIES

A business deal will lead TAURUS to information that will help (April 20- you make a choice you’ve May 20) been contemplating. Once you get the green light, speed up and don’t look back.

dilbert

You’ll be intrigued as well GEMINI (May 21- as wary of people and placJune 20) es that you are unfamiliar with. Caution should be implemented, but not at the expense of missing out on something new and exciting.

Share your ideas, offer suggestions and bring about (June 21- change. You can make a difJuly 22) ference that will help you and those in your community, peer group or household.

CANCER

Peanuts

Be careful what you diLEO vulge. Someone will use (July 23- friendliness to get you to reAug. 22) veal personal information.

Don’t be fooled; ask pertinent questions and be stingy with your responses.

Explore new avenues. The VIRGO places you visit and the peo(Aug. 23ple you encounter will offer a Sept. 22) host of information that will convince you to try something new and exciting. Romance is highlighted.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take a moment to collect LIBRA (Sept. 23- your thoughts and consider Oct. 23) the best way to handle anyone putting demands on you.

Don’t leave anything unfinished. Accomplishment will help deter complaints.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — REALTY (REALTY: REEL-tee: Real estate)

Don’t share secrets or give SAGITTARIUS anyone access to your pass(Nov. 23- words. Someone you encounDec. 21) ter will not be as trustworthy as you think. Put more effort into your profession or a moneymaking venture.

Average mark 23 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 25 or more words in REALTY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — LINOLEUM lemon leno lien lieu lime limn line lion loin lone lune illume niello noel noil null

omen melon menu mien mile mill milo mine moil mole mollie moue mule mull mullion

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

If you open up about your SCORPIO feelings, you will be offered (Oct. 24valuable information that Nov. 22) could change your life. Be receptive and try something new.

Settle any difference CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- you have with a partner or Jan. 19) co-worker. It’s important that you are both on the same page if you want to be successful.

solution for last published puzzle Go over documents that AQUARIUS are linked to someone else.

(Jan. 20- Joint ventures can be good, Feb. 19) but if one party is more moderate than the other, problems will arise.

An opportunity, financial PISCES (Feb. 20- gain or settlement is headMarch 20) ing your way. Dealing with youngsters or a loved one or getting involved in a joint venture will bring favourable results.

tuesdAY, october 2, 2018

19

Khabib vs McGregor: How one coach who battled both men see UFC 229 T

he meeting between lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor has been suitably burnished with all the garlanding and trappings of a modern-day UFC title fight, but just over a month out from the 25th anniversary of the promotion’s inaugural event, there’s also a distinctly nostalgic dynamic at play.

During that bygone, unregulated era, the early UFC sold its product as a platform for specialists to pit their respective disciplines against each other, so as to finally establish which martial art was supreme.

And, while those bouts might seem somewhat crude in comparison to the extraordinary standard of combat of today, they were not only equally gladiatorial, but the first bloody flickering of what is now a sporting phenomenon.

The respective stylings of Nurmagomedov (26-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC) and McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) are no secret. All those years ago,

their lightweight title bout at UFC 229 would certainly have been billed as a striker vs. grappler match-up.

The prevailing consensus ahead of their Saturday showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas seems to be that whoever can dictate the terms of engagement – the Irishman keeping it on the feet or the Dagestani taking things to the mat – will emerge victorious.

Mark Henry, the noted coach who has tried to mastermind the downfall of both men, understands that train of thought but believes it to be slightly limited.

“I think it might have got oversimplified,” Henry told MMAjunkie. “Because Conor is one of the best strikers that’s ever fought in the UFC, if not the best, and Khabib is the best wrestler that’s ever been in the UFC. Because of that, the other things these guys have might get overlooked.

Khabib has some power and, at times, I’ve seen some good grappling from Conor, like in the Max Holloway fight.”

Conor McGregor (right) is his usual self as he faces off with the undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov

De Bruyne back in training for Manchester City

M

anchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne has returned to training following his knee injury sooner than expected.

It was thought the midfielder would be out for three months when he picked up a lateral collateral ligament lesion in his right knee just over six weeks ago.

But the 27-year-old, who did not require surgery, has stepped up his recovery before City face Hoffenheim in the Champions League on Tuesday.

City then visit rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Speaking in a pre-match news conference on Monday, City captain Vincent Kompany said De Bruyne was “one of the best”.

“It is difficult to quantify how much of a loss he has been,” the Belgian defender said. “He is one of the best midfielders - we get more goals and assists with him.

“He has a huge presence and you do not find it anywhere else in football. Luckily we have players to fill the gap.”

Belgium international De Bruyne’s only appearance so far this season was as a substitute in City’s opening-day league win over Arsenal.

He was City’s player of the season in 2017-18, scoring 12 goals and providing 21 assists as his side won the Premier League and EFL Cup. He helped Belgium finish third at the World Cup in July, the country’s best ever finish at the tournament. (BBC Sport)

Kevin de Bruyne

Henry was in Eddie Alvarez’s corner when McGregor usurped him as lightweight champion in November 2016 at UFC 205, and likewise as Nurmagomedov took a unanimous decision over Edson Barboza last year at UFC 219.

Of their 20 combined UFC appearances, the fights in question are arguably the most telling examples of their respective capabilities.

Henry, the man who also guided Frankie Edgar to the UFC lightweight crown, remembers them all too well.

“It’s not just Conor’s power that Khabib has probably never faced, but also his speed,” Henry said. “You just don’t see his counter. It’s that fast.

The combination of Conor’s power, speed and precision is just in a whole different ballpark, and that’s what’s made Conor Conor.

“I was yelling for Edson (against Nurmagomedov) to not give him his back, and Khabib just said, ‘Don’t worry, Mark, I won’t take his back,’ then casually went back to what he was doing.

He’s just hanging out and having a good time, which is pretty crazy and pretty dangerous.”

Rushing McGregor spectacularly backfired on

Alvarez and Jose Aldo, but Nurmagomedov, particularly when in search of a takedown, tends to simply walk through strikes. As a coach who studies countless hours of fight footage, Henry believes Nurmagomedov should take inspiration from the early goings of one of McGregor’s previous bouts.

“I like the way Chad Mendes did (takedowns),” Henry explained. “Chad waited for Conor to throw, and that worked out better because Conor is better than anybody at countering the right hand. If you try and bum-rush him with right hands, it’ll come back fast and bite you. Khabib is going to have to be methodical, use a lot of feints and try to draw Conor in.”

Of course, McGregor went on to secure a second-round knockout over Mendes, who had taken the fight at UFC 189 on just over a week’s notice after then featherweight champ Aldo pulled out with a rib injury. However, Mendes did land four of seven takedown attempts, a statistic Nurmagomedov would likely be more than happy to amass against McGregor.

Henry reckons, now that the former World Combat Sambo champion has a title to defend, Nurmagomedov will leave nothing to chance when seeking to put McGregor on his back, a position he has generally not thrived in.

“Guys like Chad and Frankie can slip and work their way in off a punch, while with Khabib’s striking defense his head goes back, so it’s tough to shoot,” Henry said. “But Khabib has so many ways of getting a fight to the ground. He’s going to know what his bread and butter is in this fight, because he has played around in other fights, like against Michael Johnson, when he wanted to strike more.”

“If I’m Conor, I’m keeping it in the center of the octagon, and I’m kicking more,” Henry said. “Conor’s kicks are very good, but he hasn’t been throwing them as much, and they could throw Khabib off his pace.

The more things Khabib has to worry about, the better it is for Conor.

“And remember, Conor has a lot of kicks, from the straight-front, the spins and the low kicks to the side.

But I just think that Conor is doing less and less of the movement, feints and kicks, so it’s getting easier to beat him.”

A quick glance at McGregor’s record is all you’d need to know that he does is best work in the opening two rounds – all but two of his 21 career victories have come prior to the final bell. His endurance, or lack thereof, has been called into question more than once and, as seen from the third round on in his rematch with Nate Diaz, the ferocity of his punches can diminish.

For Henry, should the fight go all 25 minutes, a distance each man has gone just once, the first fighter to ever concurrently lord over two UFC divisions will be returning to Dublin without the strap.

“He’s 100 percent not going to win a decision, but Conor could knock him out in the first round, and you can’t be surprised by that,” Henry said. “He’s done it so many times, he has that capability, so it would be no shocker.

“If not by halfway through the third round, it doesn’t happen. Conor is still strong in the second round but. Once Khabib senses that he’s tiring, I think he’ll put it into another gear and finish him. When you’re there, and he’s right in front of you, you just see how nasty Khabib is.” (MMA Junkie)

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tuesdAY, october 2, 2018

Some care more than others – Jose Mourinho M

anchester United manager Jose Mourinho says “some [players] care more than others” at the club after their failure to win any of their past three games.

In their last two league matches United have drawn with Wolves and lost to West Ham, slipping to 10th in the Premier League table as a result.

They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by

Jose Mourinho

Championship side Derby.

Asked if he was worried about his position if the side’s poor form continued, Mourinho replied: “No.” Mourinho was speaking before United play Valencia in a Champions League group match on Tuesday.

“Every player is different, no player is the same,” he said. “I see different actions but what you see is not really

inside.

“I see upset people, some people that don’t look like they lost a game.

“I see so-so but in the little two sessions of training we had [since Saturday] everything was normal, desire to work and play.”

Mourinho added: “What I can do to improve things I do, and I will improve the things that depend on me and my work.”

United’s 3-1 defeat by West Ham was their third loss in sev-

en Premier League games, making it their worst start to a campaign since 1989-90.

Mourinho was asked if he had spoken to United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward since losing to the Hammers.

“That’s a private matter,” he said. “I’m not asking who you speak to. That’s a private matter.”

United midfielder Nemanja Matic played in the West Ham defeat, a display which defender Luke Shaw described as “horrendous” and “awful”.

Matic added: “When you play for Manchester United everyone expects you win the games.

“When you don’t win two games in a row, there is more attention on you - we know that.

“This game was really bad.

I don’t believe any player goes onto the pitch and doesn’t try.”

Speaking about Shaw’s comments, Mourinho said: “He says ‘we players are on the pitch, we have to perform, we have to give more’.

“I like that perspective but I don’t agree totally. It is all of us, everybody in the club has a role

to play.

“When we win we all win.

When we lose we all lose. And when we lose it’s the responsibility of everyone.”

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright said the stream of negative stories concerning United were “embarrassing” for the club.

Wright told BBC Radio 5 live’s Monday Night Club: “It seems to be on a daily basis. [Mourinho] talks about some players caring more than others, but doesn’t name them - why mention that?

“Maybe he’s trying to take the focus off the fact this is the biggest challenge of his career, to try to turn this around.

“This is embarrassing for Manchester United. What are the boardroom doing? How long is it going to carry on?”

Former Norwich and Blackburn forward Chris Sutton said it was “time for Mourinho to go”.

“I suspect he wants the sack,” said Sutton.

“He’s an intelligent guy. Why would he want to keep carrying on and on by being provocative?”

(BBC Sport)

2nd India-Windies Wilder "doesn’t have ODI could be shifted anything I’m afraid away from Indore of", says Tyson Fury

T

Virat Kohli peers out the window of the team bus while in Indore

he second ODI between India and West Indies, scheduled for October 24, could be shifted away from Indore. This is the potential outcome of a tussle over complimentary-ticket allocation between the BCCI and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA).

The disagreement concerns the Holkar Stadium’s pavilion block, which according to the MPCA has a capacity of “close to 7200 seats”. By the state association’s reading of the BCCI’s new constitution, the provision of complimentary tickets cannot exceed 10% “of each category” - which in the pavilion block’s case would be 720.

The MPCA, however, has alleged that the BCCI asked for “about 1300” com-

plimentary tickets in the pavilion block, “for various sections of BCCI stakeholders like sponsors, teams, BCCI members, BCCI sub-committee etc.”

“The managing committee of MPCA has decided that it is not possible to organise the second ODI between India and West Indies in Indore if BCCI doesn’t back down from it’s demand of complimentary tickets. We have intimated BCCI,’’ MCA joint-secretary Milind Kanmadikar told PTI on Sunday.

According to the MPCA, the BCCI has repeatedly delayed responding to its requests for clarification of the issue, and has therefore left it with too little time to organise the match, and with no option but to step away from hosting it.

“In the end, we clarify

once again that our intent was always to organise the match and we were forced to land in a situation where the time left henceforth for the match would have resulted in several circumstantial difficulties for which the host Association would have been unfairly held responsible,” the MPCA’s statement said. “Such big risk is not worth in view of the inordinate delay on part of BCCI on extending clarification and fair decision making.

“The unilateral, arbitrary, mysterious and leisurely decision making and working of BCCI has caused such huge loss to Association and the local cricket fans of our State.”

The BCCI is yet to respond to ESPNcricinfo’s request for a statement on the issue. (ESPNcricinfo)

T

The Tyson Fury (right) versus Deontay Wilder press conference was abandoned after the two fighters clashed on stage

yson Fury says WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder “doesn’t have anything I’m afraid of” before their world title fight in Los Angeles.

The Briton faces American Wilder, 32, at the Staples Center on 1 December in just the third fight of his comeback.

Fury, 30, vacated his WBO and WBA titles in October 2016 to focus on his treatment for depression.

“If I can come back from mental health problems and [contemplating] suicide, I can withstand anything,” he said.

“Deontay Wilder doesn’t possess anything I’m scared of. Punches just bounce off me, they don’t do anything.

I’m a powerful man.”

Fury said he believes his opponent is scared of him,

though.

“I know when a man’s scared - Wilder’s terrified of me,” said the Briton. “He’s timid when he’s around me.

He looks at the floor, doesn’t make eye contact, all that sort of stuff. Even when he’s around me off stage.”

The pair had to be separated after confronting each other at Monday’s news conference in London.

Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 to become the lineal champion and remains undefeated after 27 fights, while Wilder has won all 40 of his fights 39 by knockout.

“It’s a dare to be great move,” Fury added. “Two fights, 10 fights - it doesn’t really matter. I can’t lose this fight.

“If I’ve beat all those things, how am I going to

let myself down at this moment? I’m doing it for those people, I’m doing it to be the best and prove anyone can come back from anything.”

Wilder described the bout as a “mega fight”.

“You’ve got two different personalities, two guys that are so charismatic and filled with energy that emotions sometimes get the best of each other,” added the American.

“When we’re put in a room together you can feel the energy, to the point where you need security.

People feel the intensity, it’s a huge fight.”

Monday’s media activities started a three-day press tour, which continues in New York on Tuesday and ends in Los Angeles on Wednesday. (BBC Sport)

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he Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) has this past week officially launched its tournament – the Guyana Softball Cup 2018 – which is slated to be played under floodlights during the period October 26-28 at venues in Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara.

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Cup -- the tournament has attracted the support of beverage giant Ansa McAl through its Lucozade, Stag and ICool Water brands.

At launch of the 2018 tournament, Ansa McAl’s Faris Mohamed said the company is very privileged to be on board, as this year will now make it the seventh since partnering with the Guyana Softball Cup. Mohamed also said the tournament has taken the beverage giant places across the Caribbean, and even overseas; and that is why it

continuously attracts support from ANSA. Another noted sponsor is the Survival Group of Companies, which has been a continuous sponsor of this tournament.

Mark DeFreitas, the company’s Assistant Manager, said, “The Survival Group of Companies has been a continuous supporter of the GFSCA and the Guyana Softball Cup for the last seven years, and we are proud that we have made the right decision to support the Softball Cup to this lev-

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DeFreitas promised that as long as the tournament continues, Survival will continue to sponsor it in bigger and better ways.

DeFreitas encouraged fans to come out and support their teams, as prizes are going to be given out at the finals; such as a trip for three lucky couples to the majestic Kaieteur Falls and Orinduik Falls, compliments of Survival Travel Agency.

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sports

Blairmont, Cotton Tree advance to finals T

his past weekend saw riveting cricket action in the ancient county of Berbice. The Blairmont Community Centre and Cotton Tree teams have registered convincing wins to book their highly anticipated meeting in the final of the West Berbice League of the BCB/Magic Moments 20/20 Tournament.

Blairmont Community Centre, batting first, powered themselves to a healthy 172 for 8, as Kevin Jawahir (44), Seon Glasgow (35) and Marvin Prashad (33) were productive with the bat.

S Johnson and G Johnson were the top bowlers for the No. 5 Cricket Club.

The visitors, in response, were bowled out for 108, as only Michael Persaud and Travis Moore (14) could reach double figures.

National Under-19 left arm pacer Javed Karim took 4 for 20, while Jawahir returned with the ball to lead his team to an easy win.

Blairmont Community Centre had, on Saturday, defeated West Berbice Achievers by seven wickets to advance to the semifinals.

Achievers were restricted to 88 all

out, as Marvin Prashad took 3 wickets for 15 runs, and Kevin Jawahir and Nigel Deodat supported with two wickets apiece. Jawahir continued his impressive form in 2018 by stroking an unbeaten 51, while Nigel Deodat supported with 18.

Cotton Tree Cricket Club stifled Bush Lot Rising Stars Cricket Club in their matchup. Rising Stars managed only 107 all out in 15.3 overs, as only R. Gousanil passed twenty, with a polished 49.

Left arm spinner Wagar Hassan took 3 wickets for 10 runs, while o f f

spinner Roshan Gafoor took 2 for two.

Cotton Tree, needing to score 108 from 20 overs to clinch a place in the finals, raced to 110 for 3 from only 9.3 overs. Abdool Subhan slammed 43, while Wagar Hassan returned to complete a good all-round performance with 33 not out. Glenford Fraser took 2 for 28 from 3 overs in a losing cause for Bush Lot Rising Stars.

The Berbice Cricket Board is yet to announce a date and venue for the tournament’s final. Thus far, the Berbice Cricket Board has already completed Championship finals for three zones (Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam/Canje).

Number 48 Challengers Cricket Club are the champions of the Upper Corentyne Zone; Rose Hall Town Bakewell are the best in Lower Corentyne; while Young Warriors Cricket Club have won the New Amsterdam/Canje Championships.

When the individual championships are completed for each zone, the four champions will be involved in a special tournament for the right to be called the overall Berbice Second Division 20/20 Champions.

The Tournament is being sponsored by Sueria Manufacturing Inc under the Magic Moments Brand.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, october 2, 2018

6th annual Bakewell competition gets underway B

akery giants Bakewell have stayed true to their commitment of fittingly memorialising their founder Naeem Nasir by reinstalling a tournament in one of his favourite sport disciplines, lawn tennis.

The annual Bakewell Junior Lawn Tennis tournament affords exposure opportunity to players under the age of eighteen. This year’s competition has three categories: Under 12, Under 14 and Under 18.

The gathering at the simple opening ceremony, which was held at the National Racquet Center in Georgetown, heard from veteran player and Coach Shelly Daly Ramdyhan that the late Nasir was very fond of the sport and had gone above and beyond to ensure that players were given equal opportunity at competing or training overseas.

“In memory of him, we would have this tournament,” Daly Ramdyhan stat-

ed in her heartfelt reflection on Nasir.

Also speaking at the opening was Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) representative Dylan Fraser, who took the time to praise Bakewell for continuing to honour its founder’s memory and his commit-

that the competition is set at a critical age group for development, stating, “And there’s no better way than to start it from the grassroots.”

The matches are expected

to be hosted at the Racquet Center in Georgetown, at Le Ressouvenir on the East Coast and at the GBTI Court at Diamond, East Bank.

In the first weekend’s action, the Under 18 Boys’ category saw Kareem Bunbury recording a win against Joshua Kalekyezi.

For the girls, Kalyca Fraser defeated Alana Chung 6-2, 6-1.

Under-14 action involved Saskia Persaud overcoming Reshida Hardy in a 5-3 4-0 result. For the Under-14 boys, Jeremiah Siland registered a win against Gerald Scotland 4-2, 3-5, (10/5).

Vadeanand Resauk overpowered his opponent Nigel Lowe 5-3, 4-1, and Wayne Baker made light work of Adesh Khayyam 5-3, 4-1.

Under 12 boys featured Hayden Mentore winning a 4-2, 4-0 match against Denzil Luther; Jaideon

ment to the sport.

“GLTA believes that it is important to maintain this type of partnership and sponsorship coming from our private partners, and it only shows how committed they are to making sure that this sport maintains its reputation and will always have that presence here in Guyana,” Fraser stated.

As such, he noted

Viera overcoming Nathan De Nobrega 4-1, 4-0; Gerald Scotland defeating Nathan De Nobrega 4-2, 4-0, and Ricky Romanscindo overpowering Elwyn Levius 4-1, 4-2.

Additionally, Hayden Mentore also registered a win against Elwyn Levius 4-0, 5-3.

On the female side, Saskia Fraser made light work of Malia Maikoo 4-0, 4-0; Reshida Hardy dusted Norella Jordan 4-0, 4-0; Paula Kalekyezi powered her way to a 4-0,4-0 win against Renola Jordan, and Menishki Jaikisson also won against Renola Jordan 4-2, 4-1.

Other matches saw Heimraj Resaul defeating Khalid Gobin 6-2, 6-4; Viraj Sharma defeating Devine Kalekyezi 6-1, 6-1; Donnie Anderson defeating Toshan Jumana, while Ronaldo Alexander received a ‘walk over’ in his scheduled match against Jordan Beaton.

Ten/10 Softball Cricket BCB congratulates players on selection Championship Cup set for action T R egion Five (MahaicaBerbice) is set to launch its first ever Ten/10 Softball Cricket Championship Cup, under the sponsorship of ArrowHead Promotions.

The competition, which commences on November 18, will be played across venues in Region Five.

This event -- which promises to have softball enthusiasts on the edges of their seats -- will bring the curtains down on the region’s sporting activities for 2018.

Softball teams partici-

Sponsors of the Softball Cricket Championship Cup

pating in this tournament are set to do battle in a most competitive environment, as each team and player will

vie for glory in a competition that would reward the grand prize winner with more than $300,000.

he President, executives and member clubs of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have said they would like to extend congratulations to the Berbicians selected to represent Guyana in the upcoming West Indies 50-Over Regional Tournament.

The Board is very proud of Anthony Bramble, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Romario Shepherd and Clinton Pestano, and is confident that they would not only keep the flag of the Ancient County flying, but would be perfect ambassadors of the rich Berbician cricketing legacy.

Over the last eighty years, the county has had a rich history of discipline, hard work, and performance from players that showed they belonged in the game.

The BCB wishes Shimron Hetmyer and Devendra

Jonathan Foo

Bishoo all success as they represent the West Indies in India during the Test Series.

Bishoo, with over 100 Test wickets, has proven to be a match winner on numerous occasions; while young Hetmyer is well on

the way to becoming a legend in his own right. The BCB stands behind each of its players, and wishes them great success.

The BCB has also expresses great concern that the highly talented Jonathan Foo seems to have fallen off the radar of the Guyana selectors. Foo is a natural talent who deserves a chance to showcase his ability, the BCB has said.

He continues to perform well, and a talent such as his should not be neglected, but encouraged. The BCB is fully aware that the Guyana Team was selected before the Franchise League, and it is a common fact that players knew in advance that they were selected.

The BCB has said it wishes to encourage the Selection Committee to be guided by fairness, honesty, and the best interest of Guyana’s Cricket.

Premier League…

Bournemouth beat Crystal Palace to go 7th J unior Stanislas scored an 87th-minute winner from the penalty spot to earn Bournemouth a late victory over Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium.

The hosts were gifted the spot-kick when Palace defender Mamadou Sakho swung a forearm into the face of Jefferson Lerma at a set-piece.

Bournemouth had gone ahead after just five minutes when David Brooks curled in off the crossbar for his first Premier League goal.

But after half-time Roy Hodgson’s side improved, and the visitors equalised in the 55th minute when Dutch full-back Patrick van Aanholt beat Asmir Begovic at the near post with a pow-

Bournemouth are now unbeaten in five Premier League home games

erful strike into the top corner.

The hosts could have won the game even before the penalty however, with Callum Wilson and Dan Gosling both having good efforts saved by Wayne Hennessey.

The game ended in

bad-tempered fashion as a number of players from both teams were involved in a scuffle after Lerma and Cheikhou Kouyate squared up.

The win for Bournemouth sees them climb to seventh while Palace stay 13th. (BBC

Sport)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, october 2, 2018

23

CWI issues new retainer contracts – Lewis denies white ball offer

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that central contracts for Windies Men’s and Women’s players for the 2018/2019 year have been issued.

The previous contracts expired on September 30th 2018, but the new contracts will be backdated to July 1st 2018 and run until June 30, 2019, as CWI aligns all players on the same contract period (Franchise contracts used to expire on July 31st and WINDIES contracts on September30th).

Cricket West Indies’ Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave says “All Windies and Franchise players are now contracted from the 1st of July to the 30th of June, with their performances assessed from the 1st of April to the 31st of March. This will allow for a more efficient process of reviewing, renewing, and awarded contracts within West Indies professional cricket, and give everyone at least three months to plan for the season ahead.

“Our season will start each year with the

Caribbean Premier League, followed by the Super50 Cup, and finish on the 4-Day competition.”

The decision to offer all-format, red and white ball contracts, according to Chairman of Selectors Courtney Browne, “allows for the better m a n a g e ment of players as it relates to their development.

At the time of recommending contracts in June, some p l a y e r s would have developed in different formats after the process had fin-

ished, so their recent performances can’t be considered until the next con-

Limacol Knockout Football

tract cycle.”

The full contracts list is: All Format Retainers Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach Red Ball Retainers -Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer and Kieran Powell.

Development Retainers - Sunil Ambris, Keemo Paul and Raymon Reifer White Ball Retainers Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse and Rovman Powell Evin Lewis was offered a white ball contract, but declined.

New players on retainers are Kemar Roach, Sunil Ambris, Keemo Paul and Raymon Reifer Windies Women Merissa Aguilleira, Raniece Boyce, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shakera Selman and Stafanie Taylor

NBS 2nd Division 40-over tournament…

Police detain Riddim Trojans happy with tournament run Squad, Pouderoyen exact sweet revenge A

s a night of scintillating football came to an end on Sunday evening, the Guyana Police Force FC and Pouderoyen FC have taken up the top two positions in the tournament, and are now waiting on their chance to have their moment of glory.

With the aim of getting into Friday’s final, the four remaining teams in the Limacol Knockout Football tournament went into Sunday evening’s quarter final looking to win their most important game of the tournament thus far. The atmosphere at the Ministry of Education ground was electric, with patrons flooding in to encourage and cheer on their community teams and favourite players.

The first scheduled encounter saw a repeat of their first group game, as Pouderoyen matched skills with Santos FC. In the aforementioned group game, Santos had claimed the victory, but in the semifinal, Pouderoyen were very determined to have the tables turned.

Looking to be the first one with one on the scorecard, both teams hunted the goal desperately, but the hunt went on for the entirety of the

first half, and neither side was able to penetrate the opponent’s goal.

As such, the first half went quietly, before Pouderoyen’s Amaniki Buntin found the back of the net in the 81st minute. In an instant, Santos knew they had to do whatev-

er it took to capitalise on the nine remaining minutes.

Try as they might, it was too late for Santos to make a reply, and they exited the competition with heads bent low.

The second semifinal game of the night saw Police and an equally determined Riddim Squad facing off for the last remaining spot. The energetic Riddim squad were in complete control of the game for the first half, but were unable to capitalise on their uncanny possession, squandering ev-

ery goal opportunity afforded to them. In this situation, credit should be given to the Police defenders, who often assisted the goalkeeper.

On the other hand, the Police were having troubles of their own, and were not seeming to find their usual rhythm.

However, the law officers bounced back in the second half, and played much better football, as they managed to increase their ball possession.

Anthio Wallace became the hero of the night when he eased one into the goal in the 55th minute, allowing his team to rest easy for a while.

But Wallace’s goal quickly became the only one in the match, as Riddim Squad continued to miss the target.

The final match of the season is expected to be a fiery clash, and will go down on Friday, October 5 at 21 hrs. With both Police and Pouderoyen on a winning streak, their first and last encounter is certain to be a thriller.

The third place playoff between Santos and Riddim Squad will be played at the same venue, the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, starting at 19hrs.

UG Trojans in one of their matches in the NBS Second Division tournament

L

ightening doesn’t strike twice in the same place.

That is what the University of Guyana Trojans would be trying to comprehend, having faced the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) last weekend in keen competition at the DCC ground, and again failing to secure a spot in the final of the NBS 2nd division 40-over cricket competition.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, captain of the UG side, Melroy Stephenson, had this to say: “We played a good tournament for the most part. As a team, it was a tough pill to swallow, and we still haven’t discussed what transpired on that day itself.

In due course we will do such, and think of ways in which we can continue to develop and improve our cricket.

Ultimately, we would love to win another GCA title in the foreseeable future.”

Stephenson described Ershaad Ali as a revelation throughout the tournament, in addition to Omesh Danram. Their play ultimately earned the UG side a spot in the Cricket Guyana Inc franchise setup, representing East Bank Demerara and Georgetown respectively.

At the beginning of the match, the toss favoured the student side, who inserted the Queenstown-based side to bat. At the end of the allotted 40 overs, DCC managed to rack up 283-6, a worthwhile total to defend.

Scoring for DCC was national under 19 player Sachin Singh, who made a well composed 66 and was ably supported by Alphius Bookie, who contributed 52, and Raymond Perez, who made a quick-fire 55 not out.

Bowling for the student side was Nicholas Bollers, who claimed 2-59

from his seven overs; Dennis Heywood, who impressed with 1-26 in his 8 overs, and Damion Vantull, who chipped in with 1-48 from eight overs.

Facing the monumental task of scoring 284 for victory, the Trojans crumbled meekly under the excellent bowling of DCC, succumbing to a meagre 121runs scored in 29.5 overs.

Putting up resistance for the Trojans was Ali, who continued to impress throughout the tournament with a fighting 49. Picking up wickets for DCC was junior Windies player Ashmead Nedd, who bagged 5-31 and was supported by Dennis Squires with 3-17.

This duo literally spun the DCC into the finals, where they will now have to face Georgetown Cricket Club at the DCC Ground on October 6 in the grand finale.

TUESdAY, october 2, 2018

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

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Limacol Knockout Football

Police detain Riddim Squad, Pouderoyen exact sweet revenge Page 23

Page 23

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