Guyana Times 5 February 2018

“We are P5 ready to bring justice to your doorstep”

– acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

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Issue No. 3472

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, February 5, 2018

PRICE

Guyana Goldfields to invest US$120M into underground mining

America Street money changer gunned down AFC Regional Councillor allegedly brutally chopped at Enterprise Page 13

Page 13

…after failing to secure more contracts for contractor World Cancer Day 2018

Public Health Ministry holds “Teal Walk” Page 10

“Early Detection, Save Lives!”: Guyanese on Sunday participated in the Public Health Ministry’s Teal Walk in observance of World Cancer Day, held under the theme “Prevent Cervical Cancer, get screened today” (Carl Croker photo)

Opposing ethno-political crime wave Probe targeted Page 8 at Joint Services officials – fmr Minister

GTT Manager robbed after being trailed from city bank Page 8

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Pouderoyen general store robbed by P2 gunmen

Estates closure

APNU/AFC always backed PPP’s sugar reform P3 plans – Opposition Chief Whip exposes premeditated plot to cripple sugar

Nursing P13 system needs to be overhauled – Minister Cummings

Oil sector

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Contracts, bonus to be included in GY-EITI report – Local Coordinator

UG defends hike in fees …admits Council only approved fees after implementation

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2 news

monDAY, February 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hinterland regions to benefit from improved medevac services

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s Government, through the Public Health Ministry, continues with efforts to improve healthcare services throughout the country, plans are afoot to expand emergency responses in the hinterland regions by

improving the medevac services.

Director of the National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS), Dr Zulficar Bux recently told reporters that his unit was currently working with the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs

Ministry to train first responders in the hinterland regions.

According to Dr Bux, researchers have found that the first thing that needs to be done in terms of emergency response in hinterland areas is to provide

easy access to resources.

He noted that once this was addressed, they could move to improve emergency response services in those regions.

“Our plans are to help with air and water medevac so we will have to look at

NEMS Director, Dr Zulficar Bux

having water ambulances, and, of course, look at having fixed wing or rotary wing, that is, aeroplanes or medevac,” he stated.

Dr Bux went on to explain, however, that this would take some amount of resources and coordination.

“But we are up to the challenge, and once we cover the land population, we will start to look at addressing it,” he posited.

Moreover, the NEMS Head added that his unit has been partnering with the United States-based Vanderbilt Medical Centre to devise a plan appropriate to the conditions of the hinterland regions.

“They’re looking at our hinterland layout and coming up with a plan on how we’re going to address the hinterland medevac. If you look at the population in the hinterland, it’s dispersed over a large area and some terrains are difficult to cover, so they’re working a plan for each terrain, finding out if a water ambulance would work better for a particular terrain or if they would

need an aeroplane or if they would need a helicopter,” he explained.

Dr Bux noted that the Vanderbilt partners would be presenting an integrated plan following their research and would also provide support in its execution.

The Public Health Ministry had launched the NEMS back in November 2016, which saw more than 100 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) trained. The project also saw the merging of the ambulance services with the Guyana Fire Service for response to emergency cases.

The unit, headed by Dr Bux, currently only has three ambulances and according to its Director, steps are being taken to acquire another 22 to expand the services across the country.

“Our expansion plan this year is to get continued coverage within Georgetown and hit some of the areas within Berbice and West Demerara. So over time, we will be able to (provide wide) coverage with our medical response. We had done a lot on it and an estimated amount of 25 ambulances will cover about 80 per cent of the road population of Guyana (which runs from Skeldon to Parika to Linden),” he outlined.

In the meantime, Dr Bux said that the NEMS is currently conducting emergency response training with key stakeholder agencies, including the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI); the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

Pouderoyen general store robbed by gunmen

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ouderoyen businesswoman Ferida Wahab is now left counting her losses after gunmen invaded her general store on Saturday afternoon and carted off a large quantity of cash and valuables.

The 65-year-old businesswoman, along with her son, 29-year-old Kashieve Wahab; his wife, Siddeeqah Khan, and employee Jainarine Mahadeo, was in the business establishment when the robbery occurred, at about16:00hrs.

Guyana Times understands that two men reportedly rode up on bicycles, entered the business place and

accosted the victims, who were all reportedly standing together. One of the men whipped out a firearm from his waist and pointed it at Mahadeo, demanding that he lie on the ground. The terrified Mahadeo complied.

The men then duct-taped the hands and mouths of their victims before proceeding to ransack the store and carting off gold jewellery and an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables.

After the perpetrators escaped, the Police were alerted to the happenings. No arrest has as yet been made, but Police are continuing their investigations.

news

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monDAY, February 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Estates closure

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 3 – 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, February 4 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 3 – 06:30h-08:00h and Sunday, February 4 – 07:10h-08:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy skies expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:32h and 18:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.75 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:06h and 12:23h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 metre and 0.51 metres respectively.

SATURDAY, february 3, 2018

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FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 2 05 11 13

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LUCKY 3 0 2 1

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APNU/AFC always backed PPP’s sugar reform plans

– Opposition Chief Whip exposes premeditated plot to cripple sugar

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ersistent claims from the coalition that the former Administration did nothing to reform the sugar industry are being rubbished by the Party’s parliamentary Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira.

According to Teixeira, not only did the PPP/C bring sugar reform proposals to Parliament but the then Opposition participated in and approved the measures brought.

During an interview on the show, “Under the Microscope”, Teixeira took these claims head on. She reminded viewers that back in 2010, the previous Administration took the newly-formulated Strategic Plan for GuySuCo to the National Assembly when faced with the economic fallout from the loss of preferential sugar markets.

“So there was an attempt to recognise, ‘look, we have to reform and deal with these challenges… and still keep sugar as the biggest employer in the State sector’. A number of those (Government Ministers) who are talking (collaborated with us in Parliament).

In the ninth Parliament, sugar was part of that agenda. Mr (Winston) Murray was the Chair.”

“When Skeldon (sugar factory) was built,” she continued. “The parliamentary sectoral committee went and visited Skeldon.

Everyone praised it. They showed us the mechanisation of the fields, the plans.

The sectoral committee (including Opposition) unanimously praised the changes, the strategic management plans that were being put in place in GuySuCo. This was 2010, 2011.”

Teixeira pointed out that despite the coalition Government’s claims the PPP/C mismanaged the sector, it still employed

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

the managers the previous Administration had hired to run GuySuCo but had then dismissed or put aside.

“If that’s the case, the same people who were managing, who we said let them go, you bring back and then say we were mismanaging?”

Teixeira questioned. This is a reference to GuySuCo executives, including former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Hanoman.

In 2010, Hanoman’s resignation from the post of CEO was accepted by GuySuCo management. At the time, officials had said the then Government expressed dissatisfaction with the Board’s performance in the face of moves to reform the industry. Hanoman and former Finance Director Paul Bhim were subsequently rehired to an Interim Management Committee (IMC) by the coalition Government.

Political move

Government has been downsizing the sugar industry, a move fiercely resisted by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU); the parliamentary Opposition and a number of other agencies. The operations of the La Bonne

A longstanding executive of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman was brought back by the coalition government in 2015

Intention (LBI) Estate were amalgamated with those of the Enmore Estate; those at Wales were amalgamated with Uitvlugt, and there are plans to privatise Skeldon.

GAWU has noted that thousands of persons stand to be affected by the closure of the East Demerara Estate (Enmore plus LBI), which employs some 2200 persons in the field, factory, security, administrative and managerial sections. Government has already announced that by the time, it is finished closing estates, the only ones that will remain open are the Blairmont, Uitvlugt and Albion Estates.

But the closure of the estates and the sacking of workers are having an effect on the economy even

Government has acknowledged. Blaming missed production targets from sectors including sugar, Finance Minister Winston Jordan recently announced another revised economic growth target, adjusting the figure downwards.

Jordan said the economy was expected to grow by 2.9 per cent, failing to meet the revised growth projection of 3.1 per cent for 2017.

The initial projected growth of the economy was 3.8 per cent, but this was revised by midyear to 3.1 per cent after the economy only grew by 2.2 per cent by July.

Sugar output in Guyana fell by nearly a quarter from last year, with close to 140,000 metric tonnes being produced in 2017. This is the lowest output in over two decades. According to Teixeira, the decisions being made are, therefore, not rooted in economics.

“Anybody looking at the sugar figures will know that the decisions being made by this government are not a technical decision. It is not a decision based on economic or financial figures. It is a political decision.”

“The politics of it is that 1) they want to destroy GAWU. They (want) vengeance against sugar workers who are, in the main, supporters of the PPP but not exclusively. The Government’s position on sugar has been reckless,” Teixeira stressed.

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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

Crime Commissions of Inquiry

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resident David Granger is also leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which is the overwhelmingly largest “partner” in A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the larger partner of the coalition Government, on whose behalf he has launched what has been described by his official spokesperson as the first of a number of Commissions of Inquiry (CoIs) into what the President has labelled the “Jagdeo era” killings. The nested, Matryoshkalike President began by launching a CoI into the Lindo Creek Massacre of June 2008, the last of a long series of massacres that occurred in the first decade of the millennium. This is not a very auspicious beginning to investigating what is universally acknowledged as the most challenging period in our 50 years of independence.

Firstly, there is the answer to the question posed by the Bard: to wit, there is a lot in a name. If the President were serious about seeking to bring some kind of closure to what he has also described as “the troubles”, he would not seek to make the CoI “outcome determinative” through his very transparent ‘labelling’ technique. Would Mr Granger, say, go along with describing the Jonestown mass suicide as a “Burnham era” mass suicide? An even better case can be made for Burnham’s involvement in that horrific killing of 909 souls since he facilitated Jim Jones and his cult at every step of the way in their lemming-like action. An even more recent event, the PNC’s objection to the People’s Progressive Party’s motion to launch a CoI into the “assassination” of Walter Rodney as being “outcome determinative”, should remind Mr Granger that serious Inquiries should not be politicised ab initio.

Secondly, there is the matter of starting at the end of the killing cycle that riveted the country for over a decade. It is rather elementary to grasp that the Lindo Creek killings at a minimum may be involved with the other atrocities and, therefore, it would make more sense from the standpoint of explanatory value if the Inquiries could start from the beginning of the cycle – namely 1997. Mr Sam Hinds, who was both President and Prime Minister around that time, wrote a letter in which he gave reasons for that starting point.

The PNC had protested the PPP win at the internationallyobserved December 5, 1997 elections and staged mass protests that got out of hand on several occasions. On January 12, 1998, for instance, hundreds were beaten and assaulted in Georgetown and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), in an abundance of caution not to be ethnically provocative, issued a caution to “supporters of the PPP” to avoid Georgetown. From that horrific incident onwards, criminal matters continued to careen out of control as robberies, kidnappings, murders, arson and protests escalated.

With the Mash Day 2002 Camp Street Prison escape of five hardened, convicted criminals that ratcheted up the crime wave, criminal matters took an overtly political turn when the criminals, now ensconced in Buxton, defined themselves as “African Freedom Fighters”. In the sarcastic words of WPA executive Eusi Kwayana, they were being guided by “political sophisticates”. As hundreds were killed in a confusing crossfire between the Buxton gang, Phantom Gangs and drug gangs, there were many who feared for the continued existence of the Guyanese State, as the official institutions of law and order were made into bystanders.

If there are to be CoIs that will benefit Guyana and not merely serve to settle old scores or cover up the sins of those who have been involved in the criminality but are now part of officialdom, we must start at the beginning of the political crime wave which began in January 1998. There are too many loose ends that have already been exposed to the public such as full-page ads taken out by one of the drug dealers as well as a most incriminating tape by a senior politician and a senior police officer after one of the most gruesome massacres – at Agricola.

Closure must be brought to all the killings.

The annual Venice Carnival is currently underway in the Italian city, known for its architecture, ice cream and the gondolas decorating its beautiful waterways. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Venice to take part in the festival, during which masked balls are held in palaces, and concerts and gondola parades are held in the city squares and canals. The carnival is one of the oldest in the world, originating in the 11th century and is seen as a period of celebration before the 40 days of Lent kick off before Easter (African News Agency/

Xinhua/Jin Yu)

Another sinister CoI in the making Dear Editor, The PNC-led APNU regime has announced its intention to set up another Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

This time, it is to ‘probe’ the killings of mainly criminals, which took place during the crime waves of the more recent past.

Included in that period was the assassination of Sash Shaw, former Minister of the PPP/C Government.

The regime obviously has some plans to use this for some political gains in a Hitlerite tactic to create conditions for its actions of repression. Remember Adolf Hitler had the Parliament burnt down to unleash repression on the left and democratic forces, mainly communists, in Germany just before World War II? We saw this APNU regime applying the CoI method to clean out the professional leaders of the Police Force.

The intention is to control the Force by putting persons who would take PNC/APNU diktat. In a word, it is the beginning of the de-professionalization of the Police Force; it is being prepared to be repressive.

One of the outcomes that this regime is looking for is the excuse to harass and frame PPP/C leaders and members. It is also to distort that period, and to hide its own role in the crime waves that we had experienced at the beginning of this century.

It is for another reason, too: they want to use this to promote their own racial line about the killings of ‘young black men’. This is because they have recognized the great dissatisfaction among all our people, includ-

ing among Afro-Guyanese, where they draw most of their support.

The APNU+AFC stewardship has led to a lot of sufferings of all our people, particularly the low income category. Pushing the racial line to feed racial sentiments in our Afro-Guyanese masses serves to call on them for racial solidarity, and to ignore the pressure they are coming under from this incompetent and corrupt regime.

That is the only logical conclusion to which one can arrive when the realities of our country are examined dispassionately.

If, for instance, they were really interested in finding the truth of any matter, they would not have closed down the Rodney Commission of Inquiry as one of their first acts after taking power. Indeed, they were afraid of being summoned to give evidence to that CoI. After all, Minister Harmon was the number two man in the military intelligence, and President Granger was the Commander of the GDF at the time of Rodney’s assassination.

Secondly, we know that the PNC -- which is the main, almost the only, force in the APNU -- historically has used crimes to pursue its political goals. The X13 Plan of the 1960s (1963 to 1964) was an early manifestation of this.

Moreover, documents released from the US State Department and the British Foreign Office show that the British Governor Ralph Grey and the US representative here at the time, Carlson, were preparing to find ways to prevent charges from be-

ing laid against Forbes Burnham should he be investigated and found culpable. They managed to suppress things before they reached that stage.

Fast forward to more recent times, and it is clear that the PNC, in the 1990s and onwards, was using criminal elements to sabotage the work of the PPP/C Administration. We had arson of ministries, of schools, and of other government buildings.

Whenever there was a spike in crime, the hands of the PNC could be detected in fanning the flames of violence. The Linden (Blackie) London period, for instance, showed that London was getting support from the PNC. Recall, too, that when he perished in confrontation with the Police, the PNC did its best (or worst) to try to incense people by mainly pushing a racial line. PNC equipment and stage were used in organizing London’s funeral.

It was attended by the then Leader of the PNC, Desmond Hoyte, and many other leaders of the Party, some of whom are Ministers today.

It has also been said publicly that when the five dangerous criminals escaped on February 23, 2002, they first went into Congress Place to hide. They managed to get into the PNC band, which did not go into the National Park, but turned away at Duncan Street and went into the PNC Head Office compound.

Another important point to ponder is: where did the criminals get the high-powered weapons to create the carnage that they did? No armory of the Army or Police was broken into, yet the

criminals had high powered military weapons and seemingly endless bullets.

We know, too, that the PNC, now APNU, while in office up to 1992, had removed scores of weapons from the Army. Many of those weapons were found in the hands of criminals when they were caught or killed in confrontation with the security forces.

Many were in the hands of some of their ‘commanders,’ who were renting weapons to criminals. This was a form of financing for them.

Going back to the five escapees. They went into Buxton and held the village hostage. They murdered people; the Chester family and some others had to move out, and their homes were burnt to the ground. The criminals committed numerous atrocities, including rape and murder.

The only politicians that could have gone to Buxton were the PNC leaders; and they went freely.

Whenever any of the criminals was killed, the PNC, now APNU, made it into a political event for which they organized huge demonstrations. They had their friendly media describing the slain as ‘freedom fighters’. This was how they were trying to destabilize the PPP/C Administration.

Of interest would be the roles of now Minister Winston Felix and Mr. Edward Collins, respectively Police Commissioner and Head of the Army in that period. It is now clear why the criminals could have committed all sorts of crimes and live freely, even though the Army had established a base in Buxton. continued on page 5

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News

“We are ready to bring justice to your doorstep” – acting Chancellor of the Judiciary

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esidents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will have swift access to justice now that the Rupununi Magisterial District Court Office has officially been opened. This District Office will also handle administrative matters of the courts at Lethem, Aishalton, Annai, and Karasabai.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of this District Court on Friday, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, reflected on the many challenges the region’s residents had faced.

She said that sittings of the Magistrates Court in Lethem were held for two weeks on a quarterly basis. “For areas like Monkey Mountain, the Magistrate would come in on the flight, and 30 minutes before the flight goes back, within that period he or she would hold court and then they go back to Georgetown. Could that be justice in the circumstances?” she asked rhetorically.

Emphasising that justice is “not one-sided”, Justice Cummings-Edwards said the magistrates were not the only ones affected. “Persons coming from Karasabai and even

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Aishalton, most of the times court was held here in Lethem and they would have to travel sometimes two days just to get to court; and when the water is high, it would take even longer for them to get to the court,” she detailed.

The Magistrate’s Court was previously held in the Police Station in a small room “which was 10 by 10… the Magistrates, the lawyers, the prosecutors, the prisoners, everyone assembled in that room for justice,” Justice Cummings-Edwards related.

The Guyana Police Force

(GPF) also incurred financial expenses as a result of the court system in that region.

For instance, if someone were charged with an unbailable offence, the transportation cost for that person to stand trial before the Chief Magistrate in Georgetown would be the responsibility of the GPF. In cases where persons were not imprisoned and had to be returned to the district to await the next court date, in some cases three months later, room was left for them to take advantage of the system by engaging in other illegal activities, she explained.

According to the acting Chancellor, “We have looked at all of those factors, and we have seen the benefits the District here would have for all the residents, for all concerned”.

The instrumental role that Justice Carl Singh, former Chancellor of the Judiciary, played in realizing this District Court Office was highlighted and commended.

Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards pointed out that Justice Singh, recognising that the conditions under which the law was being administered in the Rupununi were not suitable, acquired

Resident Magistrate of the Rupununi Magisterial District, Allan Wilson

the present land on which the Supreme Court was able to construct the District Office.

With the opening of the office, residents will now have centralised services for their legal matters, such as bail refunds and payment for licences, among other things.

Another plus for the region is the appointment of His Worship Magistrate Allan Wilson as the Resident Magistrate for the Rupununi Magisterial District, which will guarantee timely dispensation of justice.

Delivering brief remarks,

Magistrate Wilson said excuses can no longer be advanced for delays in the dispensation of fair-play within the District.

Magistrate Wilson also reflected on what used to obtain in terms of the space constraints, poor furnishing, and long hours for hearing of cases within the designated two weeks at the Lethem Court.

He said the job had to be done in spite of those challenges.

“The creation of this sub-registry and the expansion of the Rupununi Magisterial District to include courts at Aishalton and Karasabai will greatly assist the people of this region.

No longer will the litigants have to travel long distances to Georgetown…or depend on the Post Office for the payment of child support; and it will also now be easier for domestic violence issues to be addressed in a timely fashion”, Magistrate Wilson pointed out.

The Magistrate and other staff are now better accommodated, and are therefore better positioned to adequately provide services which were previously inaccessible within the region.

Magistrate Wilson ex-

pressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana and members of the Judiciary for the achievement of what is described as a “historic milestone” for the justice sector.

Lethem Mayor, Carlton Beckles, also said the advent of regular court hearings would contribute to timely litigation and assist the regional administration in meeting its goals as a township.

He noted, “We have joined other municipalities, like Linden, Bartica and New Amsterdam, just to name a few. We will also now benefit, from time to time, (by) the other services provided by this entity; and for these reasons, I pledge our unconditional support”.

Mayor Beckles also called on residents to see the court as a “necessary ingredient in the menu of development.”

The Supreme Court conducted extensive consultations with Toshaos, the regional administration, residents, the GPF and agencies, particularly the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

The establishment of the Rupununi Magisterial District Court Office falls under the Justice Improvement Project.

Another sinister CoI in the...

We recall that the criminals had left Buxton and attacked Rose Hall Town, where the PPP was holding its Congress.

They killed several persons in that town, using chainsaws to cut openings. Balram Khanai, a young PPP militant from Essequibo, was murdered there. They went back into Buxton without the Army and Police seeing anything. Felix and Collins were the senior persons in those bodies at the time.

We know of the hostility that the PNC generated against those Police officers who were fighting the criminals. Many came under pressure from some in the leadership of the Police at the time to back down. Two dozen Police officers were brutally murdered during that time.

Never did a word of sympathy for the Police emanate from the PNC. On the other hand, the PNC was loud in its support for criminals when they were cut down by the Police.

That was where the PNC solidarity went.

Recall when Leon Fraser was ambushed and killed, the PNC brazenly had some of its supporters wearing red, rejoic-

ing outside the church where the slain officer was having his last rites. It is one of the crudest and most insensitive actions I have witnessed by the PNC. Minister Basil Williams and at that time Police Commissioner Winston Felix have never given an explanation to their now public conversation, wherein Williams, Chairman of the PNC, thanked Felix, the then Commissioner of Police, for diverting attention from the PNC when the Fine

Man Gang murdered eight (8) persons at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Felix had admitted that he did turn things away.

In relation to Sash Sawh, we know that he was murdered by the Fine Man Gang. Some of his property was found with gang members when they were

stopped by the Police.

The time that he was brutally murdered coincided with the period when we were going to the elections in 2006.

It was clear that the intellectual authors wanted to drive fear in the PPP before the elections. However, that backfired

on them. Make no mistake, Sash is a martyr who fell in the fight for consolidating democracy and social progress. Clearly, therefore, the APNU cannot really want to find the truth.

What they are doing is trying to distort the truth and use any CoI that they would set up as

from page 4

a tool for political harassment.

This is a well-known Hitlerite tactic!

Yes, we are about to witness another fraud in the form of CoI by this regime.

Donald Ramotar Former President

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(Continued from Sunday) Factors affecting risk of developing a drinking problem s well as the age at which they start consuming alcohol, a number of other factors influence a teen or young adult’s drinking behaviour and whether it will become a problem. These include: 1. Race and ethnicity.

Some racial groups, such as Native Indians for example, are more at risk than others of developing alcohol addiction.

2. Genetics. A teen with an alcoholic sibling or parent is four times more likely to develop a problem with alcohol than someone without such a family history.

3. The presence of mental health disorders. Alcohol problems often go hand in hand with mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

4.

Personality traits.

Teenagers who believe alcohol makes it easier to socialise, for example, tend to drink more than those who don’t believe that alcohol loosens their social inhibitions.

5. Influence of family and peers. Teens are at greater risk for developing alcohol-related problems when alcohol is readily available at home or among their peer group, and if drunkenness is acceptable.

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6. Gender. Men are more likely to drink heavily than women, but women become addicted at lower levels and shorter duration of use.

Dangers of drinking while young The years between 18 and 25 are a time of considerable change, as teenagers spread their wings and leave home, many for the first time.

While these may be exciting years, widespread alcohol use means they may be risky years as well. The highest prevalence of problem drinking occurs among young adults aged 18 to 25, nearly 42 per cent of whom admit to binge drinking at least once a month (drinking five or more drinks in rapid succession for men, four or more for women).

Many of us typically think of college as the setting where older teens and younger 20-somethings drink to excess. However, several studies show that heavy drinking is widespread among all young adults regardless of whether or not they attend college. College students tend to drink less often than nonstudents, but when they do imbibe – at parties, for example – they tend to drink more.

The prevalent use of alcohol among teens and young adults is alarming for a number of reasons: * Alcohol is a major factor in fatal automobile crashes. About one-third of drivers ages 21 to 24 who died in a

car crash in 2009 had a blood alcohol level that was over the legal limit. * Drinking may have lasting health effects. Some researchers believe that heavy drinking at this age, when the brain is still developing, may cause lasting impairments in brain functions such as memory, coordination, and motor skills – at least among susceptible individuals. * Drinking can lead to sexual assaults and rape. Each year, approximately 97,000

a sitting, for males, four or more for females – can cause teens to pass out, black out (lose memory of events that occurred while they were intoxicated), feel sick, miss school, or behave in ways that would otherwise be uncharacteristic of them. For example, they may drive while drunk or get into arguments. Some binge drinkers imbibe heavily every weekend and abstain or drink only in moderation during the week. Others binge less often – for example,

FACT BOX Teen girls who drink face special challenges Teenage girls experiment with alcohol for many of the same reasons that boys do, but they face some challenges boys don’t: * Among teenage heavy drinkers (those having five or more drinks in a row at least five times in one month), girls are more likely to say that they drink to escape problems or to cope with frustration or anger. * Girls are more likely to drink because of family problems than because of peer pressure. * Drinking can delay puberty in girls, while abusing alcohol can cause endocrine disorders during puberty. * Teenage girls who drink are more likely to have unprotected sex than girls who don’t drink, putting them at increased risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Binge drinking and alcohol poisoning Binge drinking – consuming five or more drinks at

during holidays, on special occasions, or at times of great stress. This kind of problem drinking may go unnoticed because people may excuse an occasional binge as a celebration that got carried away or as a response to unusual stress.

Although many young adults drink responsibly or abstain altogether, binge drinking is still a common problem. While teens as young as age 13 admit to this practice, it becomes more popular in mid-adolescence and peaks in the college years.

College students between the ages of 18 and 22 are more likely to report binge drinking than non-students of the same age. Recent news reports of deaths from alcohol poisoning on college campuses have spotlighted the dangers of binge drinking.

Binge drinkers are eight times more likely than other college students to: miss classes, fall behind in schoolwork, be injured, and damage property.

Binge drinkers also face the grim consequences of alcohol poisoning, a severe and potentially fatal reaction to an alcohol overdose.

How to recognise and treat alcohol poisoning Because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, drinking too much, too fast, slows some bodily functions (such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing) to a dangerous level, causing the drinker to lose consciousness.

Possible signs of alcohol poisoning include: * Unconscious or semiconscious state * Slow respiration – eight or fewer breaths per minute, or lapses between breaths of more than eight seconds * Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin * A strong odour of alcohol on the breath and coming from the skin How to talk to teens about responsible drinking As a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend, you have a major impact on the choices that the children in your life make, especially during the preteen and early teen years.

One study reported that adolescents from families with alcohol problems were less likely to use alcohol themselves if they felt a sense of control over their environments, had good coping skills, and had highly organised families. Other researchers have found that preserving family rituals, such as keeping established daily routines and celebrating holidays, also can make a difference in steering kids clear of alcohol abuse.

Talking to young people openly and honestly about drinking is also vitally im-

portant. Delaying the age at which young people take their first drink lowers their risk of becoming problem drinkers.

That’s reason enough to talk to the teenagers in your life about alcohol, but it’s not the only one. These are some of the other important reasons: 1. Alcohol has harmful effects on developing brains and bodies.

2. For adolescents ages 15 to 20, alcohol is implicated in more than a third of driver fatalities resulting from automobile accidents and about two-fifths of drowning.

3. Drinking interferes with good judgment, leading young people into risky behaviour and making them vulnerable to sexual coercion.

4. Teenagers who use alcohol and tobacco are at greater risk of using other drugs.

5. Teenagers who drink are more likely to develop behavioural problems, including stealing, fighting, and skipping school.

6. Underage drinking is illegal.

Start the conversation early While most people recognise the importance of discussing alcohol with kids, they aren’t always sure when to initiate this discussion.

Adolescents are often nervous and confused as they face their first opportunities to try alcohol and are often interested to hear your thoughts on the subject.

Set the stage early by letting your teenager know that he or she can talk to you about anything, without judgment or lecturing.

Open up and listen Ask open-ended questions, and listen to the answers without interrupting.

Talk openly about your family history. If your family has had problems with alcohol, your child should know about it. Be open about your own experiences, too.

Set clear expectations, and communicate your values. Youngsters are less likely to drink when they know that parents and other important adults in their lives have strong feelings about it.

Control your emotions.

If you hear something that upsets you, take a few deep breaths and express your feelings in a positive way.

Ask about your teenager’s friends. Express an interest in getting to know them better. Getting to know these friends and their parents will help you understand your teenager’s world. (helpguide.org)

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monDAY, February 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Goldfields to invest US$120M into underground mining

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aving already reaped the benefits of opening-pit mining, the Guyana Goldfields Inc. is looking to expand its operations here by constructing

“Our previous (outlook) was four years from now, so it would have started in 2022… (But) this study is looking at starting sooner than that,” he disclosed.

President and CEO of Guyana Goldfields, Scott Caldwell

the country’s first underground mine.

This development should occur within the next four years, and the investment would see a whopping US$120 million being pumped into the project.

This was revealed

by President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Canadian-owned mining company, Scott Caldwell. He said on Saturday that several studies have already been completed, and the company is now awaiting a feasibility report that would determine the commencement date.

Caldwell explained that the company had initially forecasted starting underground mining in four years’ time, but has decided to bring forward those plans.

“We’re working on the numbers right now, but it would be sooner than 2022, I just don’t know the number yet, but we wanna move it forward,” he explained. “So we are working on that study right now; it will be published at the end of the month,” the CEO stated.

Since commencing operations here, the Guyana Goldfields Inc, which operates the Aurora Gold Mine, has touted its intentions of starting underground mining. According to Caldwell, starting the operations sooner than its initial forecasted date would allow for longer time to train and get the workforce up to speed on underground mining.

“Underground mining is a lot different, obviously,

than open pit mining, and there is not a lot of underground mining experience in Guyana as yet. So we need to do quite a bit of training to get the workforce up to snuffle on that,” the CEO noted.

This will be Guyana’s first underground mining operation as well as that of the Guyana Goldfields.

The company is looking to be the premiere underground miner not only in Guyana, but in all of South America. “It’s our future, so that’s where we wanna go,” he asserted.

According to Caldwell, who has extensive experience in underground mining, the company would have to retain some expatriate trainers for the first phase, and then gradually move on to the Guyanese workforce, which would have to be trained.

“Typically, what you would do is bring in contract miners and they would help you with the training programme, and then you would train (local workers),” he explained.

“We trained countless Indonesians in that country for underground mining in US, Canada and all around the world. It’s gonna take a while, ‘cause you gotta be safe and efficient; but it can be done, and I know our workforce can be trained to transition from surface to underground… We will start with training at a very leisurely rate. In other words, training very slowly, and work our production

up,” Caldwell posited.

He added that when work commences on the underground operations, there would be need to increase the workforce by between 75 and 100 persons,

because of the Cuyuni River, so the other option is to go underground. This method, he added, would result in less disturbance to the environment.

“So it’s a long lifeline in

risk analyses were done, so it’s just a question of when we’ll start; and we’ll know the answer by the end of the month,” he reiterated.

In a feasibility study report released by Guyana

which would augur well for Guyana, as it would create job opportunities.

Questioned about the risks and safety measures of such operations, Caldwell asserted that this type of mining is a “very safe, very efficient” practice. He explained that the company has to transition from open pit mining to underground mining primarily because of the Cuyuni River.

Caldwell noted that a higher quality of gold lies below the base of the Aurora Mines but the company cannot expand the pit further

underground mine… (and) we are excited about getting down there and start mining,” he indicated.

Moreover, Caldwell stated that in order to start driving tunnel underground, the company has already expended some US$4 million to conduct studies, all which found positive results about the operation. In fact, he noted that several million dollars have also been spent on risk analysis and drill testing, including hydrology testing, soil testing, rock mechanics, and so on. “We’ve done all of that work… all

Goldfields just over a year ago, it was stated that the development of the underground operation was scheduled to commence in 2022, with first production expected in 2024 at the cost of US$129 million.

The study results show underground mining creates minimal surface subsidence, and indicate water inflows are manageable, as has been proven by existing open pit mining activities. looked at underground mining operations at Rory's Knoll as well as the Mad Kiss and Aleck Hill satellite deposits.

8 news

monDAY, February 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lindo Creek CoI

Probe targeted at Joint Services officials – fmr Minister G overnment’s decision to launch an investigation into the Lindo Creek massacre which claimed the lives of eight miners has been described as a strategic move targeting joint services officials who had been at the helm of administration at the time of that incident.

This is the view of former Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, who once served as a presidential adviser. She told Guyana Times in a recent interview that while the Opposition supports such a probe, it is one that must be questioned because the motive behind starting with just one inquiry may have its own political objective.

“Their target isn’t their sitting ministers; their target is the joint services, (whom) they have never forgiven; those men who tried in the worst crime wave to handle the situation, and those who remain loyal to the Government of the day -- not to the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) -- as required by the Constitution,” she opined.

“Some of those chaps were never forgiven because there was another under-plot, which was the plot to get rid of the PPP; and the whole crime wave surrounding that plot to get rid of PPP (lasted) from 2002-2008,” she continued.

The former minister noted that there have always been calls from all sides of the political divide to have a comprehensive Commission of Inquiry (CoI) covering a wide range of incidents that saw several people being mur-

Opposition MP and former Home Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira

dered. This, she noted, should have also included incidents that occurred during the 2002-2008 period.

She recalled that when President David Granger had been Opposition Leader, he had, in 2012, tabled a motion in Parliament calling for an inquiry into incidents that had taken place specifically between 2002 and 2010, but did not include the worst crime spree, starting with the prison break at Camp Street in 2002.

“We had proposed amendments to the motion that instead called for a Reconciliation Commission that allowed victims and their families…people who had inside information, to feel there was a level of trust and confidence to come forward and not be prosecuted,” she reminded.

While again questioning the move to have the Lindo Creek massacre alone investigated, Teixeira recalled that the People’s National

Congress (PNC), the major party in the coalition Government, had in 2008 stated that collusion of the joint services was responsible for the massacre.

The former minister said that ever since then, neither the PNC nor Granger, its current leader, ever placed any significant emphasis on having both the Lusignan and Bartica massacres probed.

She therefore believes that it is deliberate to have inquiries started with the Lindo Creek massacre.

Teixeira has also noted recent statements made by President Granger when he stated that the CoI into the Lindo Creek massacre would help to “unravel” the other issues that had to do with the crime wave.

“Unless he knows something we don’t know, we don’t quite see how that can be possible. And even from a political point of view, where children are murdered, from a political and moral perspective -- you’ve just had the Lusignan anniversary and you had a minister talk about a comprehensive CoI -- and next two days you say we will have it in parcels, and Lindo is set up,” she told Guyana Times .

The Opposition MP has said she finds it shameful that the Government would attend that 10th anniversary ceremony for the Lusignan massacre victims and not give a commitment to conduct a probe into that specific incident that saw innocent adults and children brutally killed.

Impartiality Another major issue for the Opposition has to do with the partisan manner in which the CoI was established. While noting that she has nothing against retired Justice Donald Trotman who was recently appointed as the lone person to conduct the Lindo Creek CoI, Teixeira said she finds it very worrying that Government would appoint someone who is the father of a sitting Cabinet minister. Apart from that, the Opposition MP noted statements made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who said recently that the CoI would have to decide whether senior officers have to be sent on leave.

“CoI just sworn in with one man, and here is the mega-minister and chief righthand man to the President (Harmon) saying some people might have to go,” she added.

She said that statement alone sends a negative message that would cause people not to have any trust and confidence in the Commission.

Further, Teixeira said the issue of impartiality must be pointed out also, because she recalled that when the PPP Government had launched CoIs into the disturbances in Line and the assassination of former Working People’s Alliance leader Dr. Walter Rodney, the then Opposition had been consulted. “We had bipartisan consultation, and they also helped to decide the Terms of Reference”, she said.

However, in the case of the latest CoI, like the others that were launched, the Opposition was never included.

GTT Manager robbed after being trailed from city bank

A

GTT Manager is now counting his losses after he was attacked in his yard by a lone gunman who reportedly trailed him from a city bank.

The Manager, 43-yearold Roderick Dyer of Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, was robbed around 20:30h.

Guyana Times was informed that Dyer visited a bank located on Robb Street, Georgetown where he withdrew cash.

He then proceeded to his motor car and drove home, parking in front of his Bent Street home.

Dyer then exited his vehicle and proceeded to his yard where he was pounced upon by the lone gunman from behind.

The perpetrator reportedly held onto his neck, placed a gun to his face and relieved him of $30,000 and valuables amounting to $210,000. The man then quickly made good his escape in an unknown direction. The matter was reported and the Police were said to be investigating.

Massing…

S

…the troops ome folks are all in a tither that the PNC government has budgeted for the massive expansion of the Disciplined Forces but couldn’t find money to pay fired sugar workers their severance.

Your Eyewitness isn’t sure why! And it all has to do with politics. Firstly, but not most importantly, the sugar workers are generally going to vote for the PPP at the next elections. The AFC’s dead (and rotten) meat.

But that was kinda like a “chicken and egg” question, wasn’t it? By firing the sugar workers – especially some of them in Berbice, who’d voted for the AFC -the PNC was ringing the latter’s death knell. So what happened? The PNC doesn’t need the AFC no mo’? The short answer is “NO!!!” N’yet!! The PNC‘s gone back to basics where elections are concerned; meaning they’ve got it in the bag. And the expanded army isn’t only to provide employment to the next generation of PNCites, but to also ensure the bag is secure.

Back in the day, Burnham also expanded the Disciplined Forces massively. In fact, he CREATED the idea of a multi-pronged armed forces for Guyana. In addition to launching the army with young fellas like Granger in 1965, he used the Venezuelan rattling of swords at our western border in 1969 to justify launching the National Service; the People’s Militia; and arming the WRSM and the YSM (Not to mention the People’s Temple!). By the time he was finished, he had 32,000 men, women and youths running around with guns in their hands.

But they didn’t run around just anywhere. They concentrated in marching through “PPP” villages, to remind them as to what could be brought down on them in case they started to get ideas!!

So with Granger completing Burnham’s Circle as he promised, he’s getting ready to capture the next elections BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!! If the Storm Trooper routine doesn’t intimidate the PPP supporters, the ballots can always be seized by the army or other forces for “protection”, and brought for counting at Camp Ayanganna.

The last time the exercise was conducted, Granger actually described the soldiers – in the book he wrote on the GDF - as having done an “excellent” job.

With him now being the Commander in Chief and all, he can now ensure the collection, collation and counting of votes are “exemplary”!! And to top off matters, folks won’t have to gripe how long it’s taking to count the votes. These could now be prepared and counted even before Election Day!!

Anyhow your Eyewitness hopes you, dear readers, now understand why the army’s expansion had to take precedence.

Nothing personal – it’s just political!!

…refugees from Venezuela After Hurricane Maria had devastated several West Indian islands – but especially our fellow CariCom member state Dominica -- President Granger was so touched by their plight that he offered to resettle them in Guyana, and even to give them land. It was such a noble gesture that tears welled up in your Eyewitness’s eyes. Weren’t they, too, also men and our brothers?

We share the same Caribbean culture and all that!!

None of the Dominicans took up our President’s noble gesture…but he made the offer, didn’t he?

Anyhow there’s just as devastating a crisis over in Venezuela, and the President has also spoken touchingly about the poor Venezuelans and their plight, as their economy is being pulled apart into a seeming Black Hole. But no one seems to remember there are at least 50,000 Guyanese and their children who’re also being sucked into some other galaxy. Don’t we owe them a helping hand?

Are they, too, not also men and our brothers? We’re sure President Granger won’t play politics with their lives and leave them trapped.

Or would he? …oil Some are surprised that Trotman had agreed, when he “renegotiated” the oil contract, that he had to give one week’s notice before he can visit the FPSO. Well…duh!! Don’t they have to clear the decks and roll out the red carpet and so on?

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

News

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monDAY, february 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UG defends hike in fees Timehri Prison Visiting …admits Council only approved fees after implementation

A

University of Guyana students

mid the recent widespread protest of students, the University of Guyana has defended its move to increase the administrative fees. The reason for this decision by the administration was also explained.

The University released a statement on Sunday which revealed that the increase in various service fees was approved by a Special Meeting of the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC) since Thursday, June 1, 2017.

The Committee is a statutory chapter of the University Council. This Council is said to include members of the University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS); the Private Sector; the Trade’s Union Council; the Ministries of Education and Finance; the administration; civic bodies, and the campus unions.

According to the statement, the new fees were sanctioned after a comparative analysis revealed that the administrative fees of the University were lower when compared to other tertiary institutions. It was also stated that it has been almost a decade since these fees were last adjusted.

In addition, the University emphasised that

various improvements have been materialised within the past two years to accentuate and directly enhance the ‘learning environment and educational experience’ of the students.

As such, the administration was compelled to raise the service fees.

These enhancements included classroom improvements with the introduction of fans and the insertion of new PA systems in lecture halls. New bathrooms and air-conditioning were added to the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT).

Air-conditioning was also introduced to the Small Lecture Theatre (SLT).

There was also the construction of a modern Student Social Complex, which is yet to be commissioned in the 2018-2019 academic year.

Furthermore, it was also disclosed that the service hours of the Bursary and Registry have been extended, with Saturday openings, and improved Wi-Fi access for areas such as the Dennis Irvine Hall and the Tain Campus.

An Undergraduate Research Programme was created that funded travel conferences for students to Trinidad, Georgia, Florida and other places. Fifty-

six student leaders were also the first beneficiaries of an Etiquette Training Programme for Student Leaders which was financed from the Vice-Chancellor’s Fund.

With these environmental and educational improvements of the University, the administration believed that it was necessary to release a statement to show why the service fees were increased.

Students of the institution were against the hike in fees and the UGSS had expressed its disagreement with this decision, as it would financially affect some students. It demanded clarification and believed that there was a need for consultation among the student body. All of this was in light of the fact that students were not informed of the hike in service fees and complained to the UGSS of paying extra monies for supplemental examinations. A petition was created by the students with the title ‘increase the services, not the fees’ which over 200 persons have signed so far.

Nevertheless, the new increased administrative fees will be implemented by March, 1, 2018 for current and prospective students of the University of Guyana.

Security guard robbed at gunpoint

A

security guard, of the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), was on Saturday night held up and robbed at gunpoint of his motorcycle by two armed men.

According to reports, the robbery occurred around 23:00h on the Good Hope Railway Embankment Road as the man was proceeding to his home.

Guyana Times understands that the man was approached from behind by the bandits who were also travelling on a motorcycle.

They demanded that he stop and he complied, assuming that the men might be Police Officers.

However, when he dismounted his motorcycle with registration number CH 5712, one of the bandits

pointed a gun at him before hopping on his cycle and riding away.

The other perpetrator escaped on the motorcycle that they rode up on leaving, the 60-year-old victim standing on the roadway.

The man made contact with the Police and reported the matter. An investigation has been launched.

Committee appointed

W

ith two consecutive years of prison catastrophes under its belt, the Government has moved to approve the appointment of members of the Timehri Prison visiting committee – one of several committees the Administration was criticised for not having in place.

The appointments, which are retroactive, take effect from April of last year until March 31, 2018. The order was ratified by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Cabinet Secretary Edward Persico, and gazetted.

The Chairman of the committee will be local businessman Ayube Mohamed; Reverend Raphael Massiah, the head of the First Assembly of God Church; Odetta Fogeny, a youth activist; Attorney-at-Law Jaya Singh-Backreddy; security specialist Leslie Glasgow and the committee’s secretary, Linda Paul.

In March of 2016, a fire had raged through the Camp Street Prison and claimed the lives of 17 prisoners.

Afterwards, a Commission of Inquiry, which cost the treasury some $13 million, was ordered by President David Granger.

According to the report compiled by the Commissioners, the com-

The remains of the Camp Street Prison

bination of overcrowded, uncomfortable and unhygienic confinement were all ideal conditions for epidemics, for gangs to prosper and to propagate discontent.

Moreover, the CoI found that reducing numbers in prisons to manageable levels was the single most important priority for establishing safe, humane and purposeful prisons. It was further noted that repeat offenders have increased by over 100 per cent, “indicating not only a waste of taxpayer dollars but also the need for a more comprehensive and structured partnership within the wider justice system”. But despite these recommendations, the Director of Prisons himself confirmed that at the time of the fire that gutted Camp

Street Prison last year, over 1000 prisoners were being housed at the prison. Camp Street Prison was originally built to house nearly half that number.

10 news

monDAY, february 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Public Health Ministry holds “Teal Walk”

M

ore than one hundred participants braved the Sunday morning sun to participate in the Public Health Ministry’s Teal Walk in observance of World Cancer Day, held under the theme “Prevent Cervical Cancer, get screened today”.

Beginning at the Parade Ground in Eve Leary Georgetown at the crack of dawn, the entou-

to get screened.

According to Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who addressed the gathering following the walk, it is everyone’s duty to ensure that women in Guyana get screened for cervical cancer.

Noting the importance of women being educated on the deadly disease, the Minister said, “Women

second most common cancer among women in Guyana.

“According to the data obtained, the average incidence rate of cervical cancer in Guyana is 46.9 per 100,000. The highest incidence and prevalence rates were found among Afro-Guyanese women.

Unfortunately, the data demonstrated that approximately two-thirds of all of the cases of cervical can-

100,000,” Dr. Cummings said the statistics showed.

Dr. Cummings admonished that young

mothers to follow through, so that we can achieve full coverage, thus potentially reducing cervical cancer in

Concluding, Minister Cummings further encouraged: “Screening is for people without symptoms as

the at-risk age group… The Ministry of Public Health will be targeting girls aged 9-16 years as recommended by the Technical Advisory Group on Vaccination”.

Dr Cummings emphasized that even though the HPV vaccine is important, screening is imperative, and is not to be replaced by the vaccine, as both are equally important.

a preventative measure…

The importance of raising awareness about cervical cancer cannot be overstated. Therefore, each of us must do our part in ensuring that we encourage our women to get screened for cervical cancer, so that early detection can result in early pretreatment and/or the prevention of the onset of cervical cancer”.

Participants of the “Teal Walk”

The organising team behind the event

rage proceeded south to Church Street, then east to Vlissengen Road, then north to Lamaha Street, and west to Camp Street before turning north on Camp Street to conclude the exercise back at the Parade Ground.

With chants of, “Early Detection, Save Lives!” from the participants as they walked, it was a clear indication that the Public Health Ministry’s main focus is to encourage women

must be educated about the symptoms of cervical cancer, and seek medical advice if experiencing any such symptoms. Women must also know where to find support”.

Dr Cummings revealed that, in 2014, the Public Health Ministry had conducted an assessment of cancers that occurred in Guyana over a 10-year period. Following that assessment, statistics showed that cervical cancer was the

cer occurred among women below age 60 years, and the highest percentage occurred in the 15-to-39years’ age group.

The data demonstrated that a mere 4 percent of the cervical cancers that occurred among the Guyanese women over the 10-year period were diagnosed at stage one, whereas the majority of the patients were diagnosed at stage 4; which contributed to an average annual mortality of 27 per

girls should take the vaccine against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

She noted that the vaccine programme is part of the Public Health Ministry’s plan to reduce the morality rate of cervical cancer.

The Minister explained, “The goal is to achieve a minimum of 95% coverage of the target population. We must encourage

Woman robbed by motorbike bandit

M

aria Hardat, on her way to the Public Health Ministry’s early morning Cancer Walk, was robbed by a lone bandit on a motorcycle on Sunday at about 06:30hrs.

Accompanied by a friend, she had just exited a taxi at the corner of Middle and Waterloo streets when someone riding a motorcycle approached them and tried to snatch her handbag.

Hardat attempted to run, but the biker cornered her; and dismounting his cycle, he went up to her and grabbed her handbag which

reportedly contained her cellular phone and an undisclosed amount of cash. The man then hopped back onto his motorcycle and made good his escape.

Both women admitted to being too traumatized to check the cycle’s licence plate, and neither could provide any details of the cyclist’s features.

NEWS

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monDAY, february 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Oil sector

Contracts, bonus to be included in GY-EITI Report – Local Coordinator

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et up as the local counterpart of world renowned watchdog Extractive Industries Transparency International (EITI), Guyana’s EITI National Secretariat is likely to include several controversial occurrences in its first comprehensive report on the local oil sector.

According to the Guyana EITI Coordinator Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, his entity has been interfacing regularly with the international organisation through the Regional Directorate for Latin America and the Caribbean. He emphasized that there is an open line of communication.

He noted that the local entity is constantly in receipt of guidance notes issued by the International Secretariat. He clarified that

ulate that a newly accepted EITI candidate country must submit its first EITI Report 18 months after date of acceptance. The GYEITI Report will be comprehensive, and must be made public. Disclosure of contracts, licences, beneficiary ownership, payments, receipts etc. are among the details which will be captured in the Report,” Dr Jadoopat explained.

Dr Jadoopat noted that even as Guyana seeks to follow the EITI Standard, the first GYEITI Report and an Annual Progress Report are in the works. That first report, Dr Jadoopat said, is due on April 25th, 2019.

The bonus When it renegotiated an agreement with ExxonMobil, Government collected a US$18 million

While not the only oil company in Guyana’s waters, Exxon and its affiliates have been the most successful by some stretch

the first report, due eighteen months after Guyana’s candidature was accepted, will cover a number of things, including the Government’s disclosure of its oil contract.

“The EITI Report must be prepared by an independent administrator. Often, it’s a reputable auditing firm with the relevant expertise, or which can incorporate local auditing firms or auditors,” Dr Jadoopat explained.

“EITI Standards stip-

signing bonus from the oil giant. However, it failed to disclose this transaction to the nation, despite being questioned about it by the media. This continued until a leaked document forced it to come clean. Proof of the bonus came to light when a letter dated September 2016 and addressed to Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga had instructed him to set up a special account for the money.

Government was then

forced to admit receiving the money; and there has since been much criticism of the subterfuge, with Government explaining that the money was to be used to procure lawyers for Guyana’s border controversy case, when it is heard at the International Court of Justice.

Then there are issues with the contract itself. The overwhelming consensus from observers has been that the contract heavily favours Exxon. The oil company was granted sweeping tax exemptions while Guyana was granted a mere one per cent increase in royalties, among other arrangements.

Guyana became a member of the EITI Group only a few months ago, with its candidature application submitted in August in Oslo, Norway. When contacted by this publication for a comment on the controversy, Regional Director of the EITI International Secretariat, Dr Francisco Paris, related via email that he was well aware of the issue.

Paris, who has responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean, had said EITI anticipated that Guyana’s Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) would use its judgement to include the signing bonus in its report.

He had noted that the first report on Guyana is expected to cover the 2016 fiscal year.

According to Section Four of the 2016 EITI Standard, titled ‘REVENUE COLLECTION’, the organisation “requires a comprehensive reconciliation of company payments and Government revenues from the extractive industries.

The EITI requirements related to revenue collection include: (4.1) comprehensive

disclosure of taxes and revenues; (4.2) sale of the state’s share of production or other revenues collected in kind; (4.3).”

Paris had explained that the Standard sets out requirements for descriptions of each revenue stream, “related materiality definitions and thresholds” to be disclosed in the report. In order to establish materiality definitions and thresholds, Paris explained, the MultiStakeholder Group should consider the size of the revenue streams relative to total revenues.

The regional executive made it clear that the Standard mandates that revenue streams, inclusive of discovery, production and signature bonuses, have to be included in the report.

Other revenue streams in-

National Coordinator of Guyana’s EITI, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat

clude profit oil and taxes, royalties, dividends, licence fees, and other significant payments.

“In Guyana’s case, the MSG must decide the scope of Guyana’s EITI first report, including fiscal year(s) to cover and material revenues to be included,” Paris stated. “The first report is

due on 25 April 2019.”

Guyana’s candidacy to EITI was approved during that body’s 38th International Board Meeting, held in the Philippines. Guyana officially submitted its application to the International Secretariat of EITI in Oslo, Norway, in August 2017.

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monDAY, february 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

news

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monDAY, february 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

America Street money changer gunned down

By Kizzy Coleman

W

ell-known money changer Shawn Nurse, called “Fabulous,” who plies his trade on America Street Georgetown, was on Sunday morn-

in a chair at the corner of Avenue of the Republic and America Street.

He reportedly was approached by a man wearing a red hoody and brown pants, who whipped out a handgun from his waist and demanded that Nurse hand over his

Shawn Nurse’s mother, Monica Deatrim

ing shot dead by a man who attempted to rob him.

This shooting incident occurred at about 10:30hrs, while the 47-year-old Nurse, of Lot 33 Shopping Plaza, South Ruimveldt Georgetown, was reportedly sitting

cash. Nurse, who just two months ago had been robbed, refused to do as demanded, and the perpetrator shot him to his head.

The man then quickly escaped the crime scene as a large crowd gathered to inspect what had

transpired.

This publication visited the scene of the crime and spoke with Monica Deatrim, the distraught mother of Nurse.

According to Deatrim, she was in the shower when a friend and her daughter-in-law’s mother visited and told her to put on her clothes. Fearing that something had happened to her daughterin-law, the woman complied. En route to the scene of the crime, she was told that her son had been shot dead.

The devastated Deatrim relayed that her son had previously been robbed on December 9th 2017 by a man who later became known to him. The distraught woman revealed that Nurse had met with the man, and his mother had agreed to repay him the cash that was stolen.

“The same man that rob he rob somebody else of their detector.

After he got to find out is the same person, he tell me that he glad if he get back his money, because he wanted to start back his hustle, and the bai mother had some arrangement to pay he back the

The body of the dead man

money,” the woman explained.

She could not say if her son’s killing stemmed from that incident, but noted that he had no other enemies. “He ain’t have no enemies! He was a good boy. Is only last night I saw him when he come by me, and I cook food for he,” the woman cried.

Nurse’s wife, his two daughters

and son were inconsolable upon their arrival at the scene.

A large crowd gathered around the man’s body, and the song “How many more Jah” could be heard playing loudly.

A 9mm spent shell was recovered by Police, and a manhunt has been launched to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Nursing system needs to be overhauled – Minister Cummings

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inister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, has said there was urgent need to overhaul the nursing system to ensure and sustain the delivery of the highest levels of quality patient care and other services.

Noting that Government was not unaware of the challenges that beset the profession, Dr Cummings reiterated that the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration has addressed some of these problems in the shortest possible time.

The minister’s comment has come in response to a heart-wrenching letter penned by United Kingdombased Guyanese Dr. Mark Devonish about the poor level of care delivered to his terminally ill brother during his final days at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

In a telephone interview,

Minister Cummings told the Guyana Times that there will be systems in place to address the training of nurses to deliver quality care to their patients. She added that nurses are not supposed to be on their phones while on shift, since they are aware of the level of responsibility required of them.

“We are aware of the issues, but I want to say that there are supervisors for the nurses, and they know that they are not supposed to be on their phones because they are very important in the delivery of health care,” she explained.

“We are developing programmes to teach them customer care and efficiency, but the issues didn’t come the other day; (they are) something that we inherited, and moving forward, we are going to address (them). I want to say that in addressing (the issues) we would have to reassess the attitudes of the nurses and then we have to overhaul the

system to improve it,” the minister added.

The complaint In his letter, Dr Devonish said he visited Guyana during the Christmas holiday, and would have arrived on December 22, and immediately went to the GPHC to visit his brother.

He explained that the sight that greeted him was one that left much to be desired, since his brother was on a bed with no sheets, wearing pampers overflowing with urine and faeces.

“I went to the nurse and politely asked for some gloves to tidy him. I also asked for a bed sheet. The nurse, who was on her phone and (was) obviously annoyed at being disturbed, rudely told me that the hospital has no bed sheets, and then pointed in the direction of a box of gloves. I proceeded to take three pairs of gloves, since my other two brothers also need-

AFC Regional Councillor allegedly brutally chopped at Enterprise

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n Alliance For Change (AFC) regional Councillor is currently hospitalised, according to reports, nursing severe chop wounds about his body after he was attacked some time on Sunday in Enterprise Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The injured man was said to be Amarnauth Chinkan of Triumph, ECD. He is reportedly a Councillor on the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

Information reaching <<<Guyana Times>>> revealed that the Councillor, who used to live in Enterprise

Gardens, had gone to that village on Sunday to visit a friend and was attacked at Suriname and First Streets, Enterprise, as he was leaving.

His attacker was identified as Peter (only name given), a contractor who lives a few houses away from the premises of the friend the victim had visited.

This newspaper was told by sources that the contractor had allegedly paid the Councillor some $2 to 3 million in exchange for contracts some time back. At the time, Chinkan was heading the Region’s Public Works Committee, a post he held

from 2015 until late last year.

However, the Councillor reportedly failed to honour his alleged commitment, which apparently angered the contractor. As such, on Sunday when Peter saw Chinkan in the village, he attacked the man with a cutlass.

The Councillor was rushed to a medical facility and was said to be in critical condition.

Efforts to contact the injured man’s family proved futile.

Meanwhile, the family of the alleged perpetrator, who has since reportedly gone into hiding, denied any knowledge of the incident when contacted by this publication.

GPHC Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis

ed gloves. Her response (was), ‘Wha you going with all a da’.

We bought three sets of bed sheets for him, to make him comfortable,” he wrote.

Dr Devonish, who is working in the UK as a consultant in Acute Internal Medicine at the Nottingham University Hospital, also did his internship at the GPHC. He said he was amazed at the lack of critical care delivered to his brother.

He said that after they would have cleaned his brother, they bought three sets of sheets for his bed, only to return the next day to find his bed without sheets and the sheets he had brought stolen.

He added that, along with the sheets, his brother’s cellphone was also stolen.

He notes that every day until his brother died, they were met with a sheet-less bed and overflowing pampers when they visited him. The doctor explained that on the third day he discovered his brother had a laceration on his arm, which was sutured, but the man was unaware as to how he got it. The nurses on duty also had no idea as to how the man was wounded, and who had stitched him up.

Minister within the Health Ministry, Dr Cummings

Public Karen

The following day, things got worse, since one of his brothers returned to the hospital to discover their ill brother lying on the floor in a pool of blood, with a nurse not too far away dispensing drugs.

The nurse told the family that the man was on the floor for a short while, and went about her business. He added that on the fifth day his family met his brother in the same state.

However, he related that he was able to see his brother’s drug chart, which he inspected only to discover that no critical medication was being administered, and he proceeded to question why. The answer was one he did not expect, since he was “rudely chastised” for reading the chart, and was told to take up the medication issue with the doctor the following day.

“On the sixth day, I recognised that my brother was dying and had a few hours to live. We wanted to spend his last hours with him, but were not allowed to. In the UK, our patients, when dying, are placed in a side room and the relatives are allowed to spend the last hours or days with them. I recognise that

the ward does not have side rooms, but at the bare minimum, we should have been allowed to be with him during his last hours. Of course, on our arrival, he had no bed sheet and his pampers were overflowing with faeces and urine,” Dr Devonish related.

“Our brother died alone a few hours after we left. He was 34 years old. It is sad the way the hospital treated a terminally ill patient. Also, it was very embarrassing that a hospital that boasts of making progress, a hospital that boasts of performing renal transplant surgeries, a hospital that boasts of performing coronary angiograms, a hospital that boasts of renal dialysis, and a hospital that boasts of performing coronary bypass surgeries did not have simple bed sheets during the period our brother was an inpatient and possibly beyond,” he gut-wrenchingly wrote.

Disappointed “Yes, I saw the letter and I was disappointed. I read the letter because I felt that, rather than going to the press, Mr. Devonish should have shared the information with us (at the GPHC), and we certainly would have launched an investigation into the issue and taken corrective actions, whether it would be disciplinary, whether it be training or whatever, to correct the situation,” GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, said when contacted on Saturday.

He noted that, following publication of the letter, the administration has since launched an investigation into the incident; and upon completion, actions would be taken against those found culpable. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

14 news

monDAY, february 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Private citizen launches nonprofit cancer foundation

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n light of World Cancer Day 2018, a non-profit organization took the opportunity to launch its services to the general public.

The Sar and B Non-profit Foundation aims to combat and reduce the effect of cancer on the Guyanese population by providing treatment and screening for citizens.

Volunteerism enthusiast Bibi Sheonarine, with the help of her close relatives, friends and medical colleagues, launched the organization after experiencing first-hand the effect that cancer can have on patients and their families.

Mrs Sheonarine expressed that the organization was founded in honor of her parents -- Sarifan Amjad Yusuf and Mohamed Yusuf, and her mother-inlaw Mangri Sheonarine, who all passed away due to varying types of cancer.

She explained that whilst on a volunteer mission distributing clothing

to Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana, she noticed that citizens of the other two countries seemed carefree, but a lot of Guyanese citizens told stories of being affected by cancer. As a result of this, she said, she felt compelled to leave her home in California to return home and start the organization.

Specifically, the Sar and B Foundation is working to provide cancer screenings, mammograms and pap smears for citizens around Guyana. The foundation has already begun doing outreaches, providing pap smears for women. At the moment the foundation has 50,000 pap kits on order, to continue this type of outreach.

Speaking at the intimate gathering of the launching of this foundation, Dr Narindat Sooknandan spoke about the struggle it has been to get accessible treatment and testing for patients.

“We never had radio ther-

Volunteerism enthusiast Bibi Sheonarine (centre) is flanked by members of the Sar&B Foundation

apy, we never had chemotherapy, now we have all this,” he said.

He expressed gratitude at being part of such an initia-

Sugar woes

GuySuCo needs to be diversified, not downsized

By Jarryl Bryan

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n one of the few times he has publicly addressed the issue, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chairman, Dr Clive Thomas recently defended the “downsizing” of the sugar industry by pointing to the possibilities of a regional Common External Tariff (CET) and United States markets.

But according to Dr Peter Ramsaroop, an Economic Advisor to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), this is a plan fraught with implications for Guyana’s economy. He emphasised that what Guyana needed was an ambitious diversification plan for GuySuCo, and the PPP had conceptualised such a plan prior to 2015.

Dr Ramsaroop questioned the quality of advice the coalition Government has been receiving, noting that advice like Thomas’s recent utterances are long on theory and short on practicality.

“Dr Thomas continues to demonstrate his lack of working business management (knowledge). His advice to Granger and the Government has essentially torpedoed the entire economic situation in Guyana, with rippling effect not just on people’s well-being, but it has affected numerous other industries.

“Sugar needed to be managed in its entirety, with diversification as proposed by the PPP in (its) 2015-2020 (proposal). A well-thoughtout plan had been started prior to 2015 in order to en-

Opposition Economic Advisor, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

sure a successful diversification transition by 2020. The PPP/C had planned a minimum investment of G$20 billion for the viability of the industry,” Ramsaroop revealed.

Mechanisation

Ramsaroop explained that the PPP’s plan entailed investing in the continued modernisation of the existing factories; investing in sugar refinery and distillery facilities; generating more packaged and specialty products; and increasing mechanisation of the industry in a bid to boost production.

It is understood that, with mechanisation, jobs would not necessarily have been cut, but rather job specifications would have changed and new opportunities for workers would have been created. This also runs counter to the Government’s contention that the PPP had no plan for the industry.

“We actually needed to grow more sugar cane with a goal of 400,000 tons by 2020.

The key – which Dr. Thomas failed to understand – is not just about lowering the cost of the remaining estates, but about what a diversification plan would have done for the industry. Our goal was to expand packaged sugar to 50,000 tons by 2020, and expand the production of bottled molasses as a commercial product for the local and international markets,” the financial expert disclosed.

“In addition, the goal was to expand the Albion Ethanol Plant to produce up to 50,000 liters of ethanol per year, and to be able to use other substrates, including cassava,” Dr Ramsaroop explained.

“The economic downturn in our economy is directly linked to the bad advice that Dr. Thomas has given, and the failed policies of the Granger Government,” he charged.

In an interview with the state media, Dr Thomas, an economist, had claimed that the three estates Government would leave operating – Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt – can still make a positive contribution to the economy, and be competitive.

“We are hoping that, in the end, it can produce what we call plantation white sugar, which we can sell to the other Caricom region, and have a Common External Tariff (CET) which will protect the sale in that market,” Dr Thomas was quoted by the media as saying.

tive, where he could be of service to those in need.

To date, the Sar and B Foundation, with the assistance of Dr Sooknandan

has done approximately 97 pap smears in areas on the West Coast of Demerara and in Berbice; and is looking forward to working with

Government, hospitals, private doctors, businesses, and like-minded entities to bring a halt to cancer in Guyana.

Hundreds to benefit from new Mocha/Arcadia ICT Hub

– centre located in compound of Mocha/Arcadia Primary School

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uch emphasis has been placed on developing this small community of approximately 4,000 persons. A collaborative project between the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MoPT) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has resulted in the opening of an ICT Hub at Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara.

“Technology is changing rapidly. When you look at the world, it gives [the] opportunity to people regardless (of) where you are,” this was the advice given to the residents

by Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, as she explained the numerous benefits that the hub offers to all, young and the not-soyoung included.

“Education is the one thing that can change the prospects of your child. You have the opportunity, with the hub, for that child to grow,” Minister Hughes told residents.

She added that the

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes and Director of Community Development and Social Management, of the NDMA, Phillip Walcott; Barbara Boyce, Chairman of the Management Committee, with two children cutting the ribbon to declare open the ICT Hub at the Community Centre

the Ministry would be providing learning materials in the coming weeks, including a list of 1000 questions for Grade 6 Assessment, and CSEC pre-examination questions for students on the computers.

Phillip Walcott, Director

The grand turnout on Friday afternoon at the Mocha/Arcadia Community Centre

Internet enables persons to connect with others worldwide, whether through online classes, business ventures, or socializing. She revealed that

of Community Development and Social Management of the NDMA, announced that very soon the Ministry would launch a project to train per-

sons in the areas to be with the ICT Hub. This is to ensure that persons can be better assisted with the technology. The programme would entail basic management of the equipment, basic troubleshooting knowledge, and training on how to manage volunteers.

It was explained that the hub has some 20 laptops and a team of 12 persons to manage and monitor the operations.

According to Barbara Boyce, Chairperson of the Management Committee, the hub will also be equipped with a printer. “We had a bumpy journey to this day, but we are here and (are) very grateful,” she said.

While commending the initiative, Boyce highlighted the need for individuals with the technological background to help with the ICT hub.

The newly established hub provides free WiFi, mentors, consultation and support, computer training, and the opportunity to conduct research.

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monDAY, febrUARY 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What are your views on the decision by the United Nations Secretary General to refer the Guyana-Venezuela controversy to the International Court of Justice?

Denisia Liddell

"I just wish for the GuyanaVenezuela controversy to be settled once and for all. I think it is time. If it goes to the world court you can't be certain what the decision might be. Either it rules in or not in favour of Guyana; that is a very ticklish situation."

Robin Medas

“This is something that should have been solved a long time ago so only now they are moving to the world court? They should have done so a long time ago. So I agree with the decision, so that this matter can be dealt with, once and for all.”

Amy Bonar

“I think it’s a good idea to involve the world court because we need a third, unbiased party to settle the dispute. It will be fairer this way.”

Katrice McBean

“I believe that would be unnecessary; I mean the whole thing is unnecessary because all of a sudden they are claiming piece of our land, like that's just unfair and they don't deserve anything, but if it is an agreement will be made, I don't think the world court should get involved, there should be a simple formal collaborative meeting resolving the situation between the Governments of both countries.

Azarodeen Khan

“Since all means to resolve this decades-old controversy, including the recent good officer process, were not fruitful, in my opinion, the world court is the safest and most practical way to deal with this controversy. The court would allow both nations to present evidence and arguments to support their claims in a diplomatic way so that a final decision could be made. When that decision is made the integrity of both the nations will be tested with their response to it. I’m also confident that a decision will be made in favour of Guyana.”

Delvon McEwan

“How many times will they seek to settle the same matter and when will it have closure?

However, if this is the best route towards an amicable agreement then I do hope Guyana is treated fairly and the interest in Venezuela by developed nations does not hamper a justifiable outcome.”

Shaunell Wilson

“The border controversy has gone on long enough and if going to the world court will finally resolve the issue, then I say yes.”

Rebekah Charles

“The idea is splendid, since a third-party perspective on matters is always an eye-opener to finding ways to resolving and coming to a solution. However, just like the phrase “the judge’s decision is final”, both Guyana and Venezuela should be prepared to settle with whatever the decision is, since they both willingly agreed to have the issue be resolved by a higher authority.”

Arantxa Thorne

“I don’t have a problem with that; I think it’s a good idea to settle the border issue, once and for all. But if it turns out that the territory belongs to Venezuela, Guyana will face an economic decline.”

Khemraj Narine

“I am very happy that the UN Secretary General has made this decision…I think that there is where the controversy will be determined properly and I can’t help but feel that in the end, Guyana will emerge victorious.

As I Guyanese, I believe firmly that we must all fight to protect our territorial sovereignty. We not giving up no mountain, not even a blade of grass. I have confidence in the ICJ and I hope that when the matter is dealt with at that level, justice prevails….”

Candacia Semple

“This decision is long overdue. I feel as we as Guyanese must be prepared to defend our country and the mighty Essequibo. I think the UN Secretary has done the right thing. I think that we must ensure that we are fully prepared to make our arguments and case at the ICJ. I am a very patriotic person and I love my country.

Essequibo belongs to us.”

Raphael Yukimura

“I was expecting this decision for a long time. I am happy that the issue has reached that level. I expect that there will be a fair and professional ruling.

I support the Government in their quest to defend our country and I have no apologies for that. As a young person, I have always grown up hearing about this controversy and I am happy that we are now approaching a peaceful resolution.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, february 5, 2018

Regional

Tillerson raises spectre of US sanctions on Venezuelan oil

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he United States is considering restricting imports of Venezuelan crude oil and exports of US refined products to Venezuela, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Sunday, to put pressure on socialist President Nicolás Maduro to “return to the Constitution”.

“One of the aspects of considering sanctioning oil is what effect would it have on the Venezuelan people?

Is it a step that might bring this to an end more rapidly?” Tillerson said at a news conference in Buenos Aires, referring to Venezuela’s economic and political crisis.

Tillerson, on a Latin America trip that also includes visits to Mexico, Peru,

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is on a tour of Latin America

Colombia and Jamaica, raised eyebrows on Friday after he suggested that Maduro could be toppled by his own military.

Restrictions on Venezuela’s all-important oil industry would represent an escalation of finan-

cial pressure on the OPEC member, which is gripped by severe shortages of food and medicine. Sanctions have so far focused on individual members of Maduro’s Government and a ban on buying new Venezuelan debt.

“We are looking at options and we are looking at how to mitigate the impacts on US business interests” and on other countries in the region, Tillerson said.

Standing next to Tillerson at the news conference, Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie said his country would “closely follow” the possibility of oil and fuel sale restrictions, but said sanctions “must never harm the Venezuelan people.”

Other Latin American Governments have said they were unwilling to take steps that would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Costa Rica election: Gay marriage debate dominates campaign

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oting is under way in Costa Rica’s presidential election after a campaign dominated by same-sex marriage.

Last month, the InterAmerican Court of Human Rights based in Costa Rica ruled such alliances should be recognised.

The court’s decision led to a backlash in the Central American country.

A conservative Christian evangelical preacher who has campaigned against

same-sex marriage has become the most popular candidate.

The binding court ruling required the small but deeply Catholic Costa Rica to legalise same-sex marriage.

In recent weeks, preacher Fabricio Alvarado surged to the top of opinion polls, campaigning against samesex marriage.

In all, 13 candidates are running to replace President Luis Guillermo Solis of the centre-left Citizen’s Action

Party.

Alvarado represents the right-wing National Restoration Party.

He has gone from also-ran, with just two per cent support, to the leading candidate with 17 per cent in a crowded field, according to a poll released on January 31 by the University of Costa Rica.

However, more than a third of the electorate appear to be undecided.

A run-off on April 1

seems certain as no candidate is likely to win the 40 per cent of the vote required to win in the first round.

The other frontrunners are former lawmaker Antonio Alvarez from the centre-right National Liberation Party, former Security and Justice Minister Juan Diego Castro from the National Integration Party, and Rodolfo Piza from the Social Christian Unity Party. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

St Lucia launches ambitious agribusiness project

The project is intended to benefit farmers and fisherfolk mainly in the south of the island

S

t Lucia has launched a multimillion dollar project aimed at strengthening agribusiness operations within the context of climate change.

The US$1.8 million InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded Sustainable Agribusiness for Laborie and Environs (SABLE) project is intended to benefit farmers and fisherfolk mainly in the south of the island.

“The project is innovative as it will deliver financial support for the adoption of climate resilient practices and improve livelihoods for our members. In addition, the project explicitly connects market opportunities, investment capital, capacity building and technical support,” said Steven Auguste, President of the Laborie Co-operative Credit Union (LCCU), which is executing the programme.

He said this is being done through a blended financial intervention to support greater climate resilience, envi-

in May 2017 after winning an election as the candidate of Correa’s Alianza Pais (Country Alliance) party.

The referendum was Moreno’s way to “distance himself from his predecessor and consolidate his political process”, said Ecuadorean news and analysis portal GK. The referendum also seeks to ban and limit the mining of minerals in environmentally protected areas and end the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against minors.

Moreno, 64, was disabled in a 1998 armed robbery and is currently the only serving Head of State using a wheelchair. He was Correa’s Vice President between 2007 and 2013.

The leftist former President Rafael Correa still retains substantial support and he now calls the current president – his former protégé – a “traitor”

Only last May, when Moreno was inaugurated as Correa’s successor, the two men still seemed to be close.

Moreno wants a decisive vote to mark an end to the Correa-era “Citizens’ Revolution” and close the door to Correa’s candidacy

in the 2021 election.

“Corruption sets in when you have only one government that thinks it will stay on forever,” he said on the campaign trail this week, according to Reuters news agency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

(Excerpt from CMC)

Venezuela crisis fuels exploitation in T&T

Ecuador votes on election term limit T E cuadoreans are voting in a referendum that has become a test of the enduring popularity of its former leftist President, Rafael Correa.

The poll was called by the current leader, Lenin Moreno, who was once Correa’s deputy but is now his staunch political opponent.

A key question is whether to scrap unlimited presidential terms and stop Correa returning to power.

Opinion polls suggest voters will approve all seven measures.

They also include a proposal to bar officials convicted of corruption from politics.

Correa split very publicly from Moreno, who took office

ronmental and commercial sustainability of small agro production, and fishing in the south.

“The LCCU is extremely well positioned to facilitate and support the successful implementation of the proposed intervention in climate change adaptation of farmers and fisherfolks,” Auguste said.

LCCU General Manager Lucius Ellevic said fisherfolks and farmers are not doing well because the systems and methods which are supposed to help them sell and generate revenue from their production have failed them.

“Thus is the salient area in which this project will address itself,” he said.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the Government fully supports the project and that it is the intention of his administration “to ensure that there is a clear market space for fresh fruits as well agro processing.

he social, economic and political upheavals, hyperinflation, shortages of food, medicine and other supplies and US sanctions have forced many Venezuelans to flee their country and look for work in neighbouring countries, including T&T, to earn money and supplies to send back home to their families. According to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) report dated August 2017, there are an estimated 40,000 Venezuelans in T&T. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers and many highly qualified professionals who cannot find work in Venezuela are forced to take up menial jobs such as house cleaning, bar jobs and in the fast food industry.

In bars and nightclubs across the country young, pretty Latin women can be seen working as hostesses and bar tenders. In little Latin enclaves

and Spanish Harlems throughout the country, many entertainment venues, clubs and bars now have a Latin Night.

Young, attractive Venezuelan women and girls are especially vulnerable to trafficking and being forced into prostitution. The Sunday Guardian was told the harrowing plight of how four young Venezuelan girls were lured into a nightmare underbelly world of prostitution and exploitation by the owner of a local modelling agency. Daniela, a Cuban national, said “When I finished work Carnival last year at a concert in the stadium, I went by a bar on the Avenue with a friend to wait until the traffic finished to drop me home. “I saw four Venezuelan girls there, one was arguing with a Trinidadian man, the youngest girl, 19, was crying.” He wanted them to sleep with men for money.(Excerpt

from Trinidad Guardian)

Mexico finds nearly 200 migrants hidden in cramped lorry

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early 200 undocumented migrants from Central America have been found hidden in a lorry without food or water in north-eastern Mexico.

The men, women

and children were found crammed into the truck in Tamaulipas state just south of the Texas border, officials said.

They had travelled from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and were

bound for the US. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

Mexican Police said the lorry was stopped at a checkpoint and scanners detected the people hid-

den inside. They had no food, water or proper ventilation. Twenty-four of the migrants were unaccompanied children, officials added.

Last month more than 170 undocumented Central

Americans were taken into custody in the states of Coahuila and Tamaulipas.

Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are a major source of illegal migrants being smuggled into the US.

President Donald Trump has vowed to crackdown on all immigration, legal and illegal, and is pressing ahead with controversial plans for a wall along the Mexican border.

(BBC News)

monDAY, february 5, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

North Korea to send ceremonial Kashmir: 4 Indian soldiers head Kim Yong-nam South killed in latest shelling

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orth Korea is to send its highest ranking official for years to the South amid a diplomatic rapprochement sparked by the Winter Olympics.

Kim Yong-nam, the ceremonial head of state, will lead a 22-member delegation to the South beginning on Friday, said the South's Unification Ministry.

The two Koreas' athletes will march under one flag at the opening ceremony.

Their united women's ice hockey team played its first match on Sunday, but lost the friendly against Sweden 1-3.

The unified Korean ice hockey team will get a

It is unclear whether Kim Yongnam, who heads the Parliament in Pyongyang, will attend the opening ceremony along with US Vice President Mike Pence

chance to even the score when they face Sweden again during the Games.

Sunday's outing was the first and only practice match for the newly minted Korean squad.

Kim Yong-nam is the head of the Parliament in the North and will be the highest-level official to visit South Korea in four years.

An unnamed official from the South's presidential Blue House told the BBC that they believe this reflected a willingness on the part of North Korea to improve inter-Korean relations, and demonstrated the North's sincerity. (Excerpt from BBC News)

F

our Indian soldiers, including an officer, have been killed in the latest cross-border clashes in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri sector, told Al Jazeera the four troops were killed and one wounded after the Pakistani army opened fire on Indian posts in the Jammu region on Sunday evening.

"The situation is tense currently on the border," Choudhary said.

The latest shelling was ongoing until late on Sunday, he added.

"Most of the areas near the border have been affected due to the ceasefire violation. Though it is difficult to evacuate the civilians at night, we are continuously monitoring the situation," said Choudhary.

Officials ordered the closure of schools near the border for the next three days.

There was no immediate response from Pakistan.

Hostilities between India and Pakistan have increased on the de facto border since last month.

Despite a 2003 ceasefire, India and Pakistan regularly trade fire across the so-called Line of Control

(LoC), the military demarcation between the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of Kashmir.

India regularly accuses Pakistan of aiding fighters in crossing the LoC to attack Indian targets. Pakistan denies the allegations.

The civilian population living near the border has been severely affected because of the latest violence between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Since independence in 1947 from Britain, India and Pakistan have fought two of three wars over Kashmir, which both countries claim in its entirety. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

South Carolina train crash: Heaviest snowfall on record blankets Moscow Amtrak 'on the wrong track'

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oscow has seen its heaviest snowfall in a day since records began, with more than 2000 trees brought down and air travel disrupted, officials say.

More than half the monthly average snow fell on Saturday, beating the previous record set in 1957.

A falling tree and collaps-

ing power line killed one person and five others were injured.

Snowfall is expected to ease off on Sunday night but the temperature is expected to drop.

Dozens of flights have been delayed at the Russian capital's airports.

Despite the disruption,

many people on social media just seem happy to see a "real Russian winter" again after the unseasonal thaws of previous years, and have been sharing snowscape pictures.

The city broke a different record in December when it registered the least amount of sunshine seen in a month there. (BBC News)

Tens of thousands of Greeks protest Macedonia's name

C

hants blared through speakers as a crane lifted a massive Greek flag above Syntagma Square, where Greeks converged from across the country to rally against negotiations over a name dispute between Athens and Skopje.

Hundreds of buses transported demonstrators from across the country for the "Macedonia is Greek" demonstration. Tens of thousands assembled in the city centre, with organisers claiming more than one million people would take to the streets.

"Hands off Macedonia," they chanted.

"Macedonia belongs to Greece," others yelled.

The demonstration comes two weeks after an estimated 300,000 people gathered in the northern coastal city of Thessaloniki to voice their opposition to the negotiations.

White-and-blue flags fluttered above, and throngs of

Last month, negotiations over the decades-old name dispute between Greece, which has a northern region called Macedonia, and the Republic of Macedonia, were relaunched

demonstrators wearing traditional Macedonian garb marched in anger.

As that rally came to a close, anarchist counter-demonstrators clashed with Police, and far-right protesters lit an anarchist squat on fire.

Assailants later vandalised a Holocaust monument.

Before Sunday's rally in Athens, activists carried out security patrols to protect dozens of squats in the city centre from potential attacks.

Last month, negotiations over the decades-old name dispute between Greece, which has a northern region called Macedonia, and the Republic of Macedonia, were relaunched.

Greece accuses Skopje of territorial designs and falsifying its historical heritage by co-opting figures such as Alexander the Great, who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Macedon. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Oil tanker with 22 crewmen missing off Benin

A

n oil tanker with a crew of 22 Indian nationals is missing in the Gulf of Guinea off Benin in West Africa.

There has been no contact with the Panama-registered Marine Express since Thursday.

The incident occurred less than a month after another vessel was taken by pirates in

the same area.

The International Maritime Bureau said the Benin navy was searching for the Marine Express, which is carrying 13,500 tonnes of gasoline.

In January, a ship was hijacked in the same area but was released six days later when a ransom was paid.

Indian Foreign Minister

Sushma Swaraj said her government was working with authorities in the region.

The ship is managed by Hong Kong-based AngloEastern. The BBC's Will Ross says that Africa's most dangerous waters used to be off Somalia but, after the deployment of international warships, the situation there has improved. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A

n Amtrak train involved in a deadly crash with a stationary freight train in South Carolina appeared to be on the wrong track, the state governor says.

Officials will investigate whether points in the area misdirected the passenger train.

The Amtrak's engineer and conductor died and 116 people were injured in the crash early on Sunday.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said the incident should "begin a conversation" about rail safety.

Just four days ago, a lorry driver was killed when his vehicle was hit by a train carrying lawmakers in Virginia.

The crash happened in the early hours of Sunday morning

Sunday's crash happened at 02:35 local time (07:35 GMT) in the town of Cayce, just outside the state capital, Columbia. The train was

travelling from New York to Miami when it hit the goods train, causing its lead engine and several carriages to derail. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Saddam's eldest daughter on most wanted list

T

he Iraqi Government has placed the name of late Saddam Hussein's daughter, Raghad, on the most wanted list, together with 59 other individuals.

The 60 people are wanted on suspicion of belonging to the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), al-Qaeda or the Baath Party.

The list, seen by AFP, includes the name of Saddam's daughter, Raghad, who lives in Jordan.

It also features 28 suspected ISIL fighters, 12 from Al-Qaeda and 20 from the Baath party, giving details of the roles they allegedly play in their organisations, the alleged crimes of which they are suspected, and, in most cases, photographs.

All are Iraqis, apart from Maan Bashour, a Lebanese man accused of recruiting fellow citizens to fight in Iraq.

The name of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIL, is absent from the list.

A senior security official contacted by AFP declined to explain why. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Kim Cattrall appeals for help finding brother missing in Canada

S

ex and the City actor Kim Cattrall has appealed to her social media followers for help finding her brother who has been reported missing.

She said 55-year-old Christopher had been missing from his home in Alberta, Canada, since Tuesday.

His keys, cell phone, and wallet were left on the table, the front door was unlocked, and his seven "beloved" dogs were unattended, she said.

"This is not like Chris... Help us bring him home safe," she asked fans.

The Alberta police force also tweeted an alert. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kim Cattrall, right, is best known for playing Samantha Jones in the US romantic comedy show Sex and the City

18

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monDAY, February 5, 2018

ARCHIE

Keep an open mind, but ARIES put the brakes on if impulse (March 21- starts to take control. Saying April 19) or doing something without thought will work against you. Plan your actions with care and kindness.

Start a dialogue and gathTAURUS er pertinent information.

(April 20- Meetings and business trips May 20) scheduled will bring good results, as long as you don't divulge secrets or private matters.

dilbert

It's what you do for othGEMINI (May 21- ers that will gain you reJune 20) spect and support. Don't linger over what to do or when to do it. Consider a situation and make a difference to the outcome.

Pour

your

heart

into

CANCER what you enjoy doing most.

(June 21- Get together with someone July 22) who shares your interests.

Peanuts

Exchanging ideas will help you bring greater diversity to your current endeavors.

Things will not be as they LEO appear. Don't jump to con(July 23- clusions or make a hasty deAug. 22) cision without getting all the facts firsthand. Exaggeration, indulgent behavior and egotism should be resisted.

Revamp your current VIRGO spending habits with saving (Aug. 23in mind. Having extra cash Sept. 22) readily available will allow you to take advantage of a good deal or investment opportunity.

Calvin and Hobbes

You can make things happen LIBRA (Sept. 23- if you are organized and willOct. 23) ing to put a little muscle behind your actions. Don't get frustrated or angry when you can get moving instead.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — SIBILANT (SIBILANT: SIB-ih-lent: Of, characterized by or producing a hissing sound.)

Average mark 25 words Time limit 40 minutes

Stay focused on what CAPRICORN needs to be done. Put your (Dec. 22- responsibilities first and reJan. 19) fuse to get caught in someone

SATURDAY’S WORD — INTENDS deist dent dentin diet dine dint send sennit

sent side sine sinned site snide snit stein

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

enhance your plans. Working in conjunction with someone as unique as you are will be exciting, but will require patience.

Don't leave important SAGITTARIUS tasks to others. Someone you (Nov. 23thought you could trust will Dec. 21) let you down. Verbalize what you are willing to do and what you want in return.

Can you find 35 or more words in SIBILANT? The list will be published tomorrow.

ides indent inset nest nine tend tennis edit

If you are open with your SCORPIO ideas, someone will offer in(Oct. 24novative alternatives that can Nov. 22)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

else's melodrama. Back away from an unpredictable situation. Protect your reputation.

Your desire to bring comAQUARIUS fort and joy to someone going (Jan. 20through a rough patch will be Feb. 19) appreciated, and the response and reward you get in return will be valuable.

Don't fear failure or let anger PISCES ruin your day. Look for opportu(Feb. 20nities by expanding your interMarch 20) ests and broadening your scope.

Romance is highlighted, and financial gains are within reach.

monDAY, February 5, 2018

Tom Brady vows to play on next season

Boxing could face expulsion from Olympic Games

B

oxing could be knocked out of the 2020 Tokyo Games if the International Olympic Committee is not satisfied problems with the sport’s finances and governance are sorted out, IOC President Thomas Bach warned on Sunday.

Speaking in Pyeongchang ahead of next week’s Winter Olympics, Bach said the IOC was “extremely worried” about how the sport was run and said the body was prepared to make bold decisions.

“The IOC reserves the right to review the inclusion of boxing in the programs of the Youth Olympics 2018 and Tokyo 2020,” he told reporters.

Bach added that the IOC would be freezing all contacts with the sport’s governing AIBA “excluding the ones on a working level necessary to implement the respective IOC decisions”.

AIBA said the IOC decision was “extremely disappointing” after the boxing body had submitted a progress report as requested.

Following a two-day Executive Board meeting in Pyeongchang, Bach said the IOC had not been satisfied with the AIBA report and that it would be opening an investigation into the body.

AIBA has been riven with in-fighting for months, with former president and

IOC member CK Wu first provisionally suspended and then stepping down last November after a bitter dispute with his execu-

governance by April 30th and it would comply with that.

“This decision was made despite AIBA’s fulfilment of

IOC President Thomas Bach

tive committee.

AIBA named Uzbek Gafur Rahimov as its new Interim President last Saturday, following the unexpected resignation of Interim President Franco Falcinelli.

The Olympic ruling body had also announced in December it was freezing payments to AIBA until boxing got its house in order.

Previously, the IOC withheld payment of more than $1 million of television rights from the Athens 2004 Olympics after a refereeing scandal at those Games.

AIBA said in a statement that the IOC had demanded a new report on its

Weatherald ton ...

the IOC’s request to submit a Progress Report outlining all steps AIBA was asked to take and continues to take to improve its governance,” it added.

The statement said AIBA had hoped the IOC would have understood that “the processes necessary to implement even more measures require more time.”

The boxing body added that it had shown already a willingness to reform and would be carrying out a complete organisational review over the next six months leading to a “New Foundation Plan”.

The Winter Olympics runs from February 9-25.

(Reuters)

Super Siddle sees Strikers seal success Before Bailey departed at the hands of Siddle in the 11th over, Hobart appeared to have a chance of chasing down the mammoth total at 87-1.

However, they were slowed from that point on as Siddle in particular starred.

With Short – the player of the tournament – still at the crease the Hurricanes held out hope, but Siddle had the left-hander caught behind to end Hobart’s chances in the 17th over.

(Sportsmax)

Jake Weatherald celebrates a thrilling century (© Getty Images)

Tom Brady

L

egendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said “You’re gonna see me playing football next year” when asked about his future.

Regardless of what happens in Super Bowl LII, Tom Brady has no plans to retire.

The 40-year-old New England Patriots quarterback told Westwood One’s Jim Gray during a radio interview he will be back next season.

“You’re gonna see me playing football next year. I don’t envision not playing,” Brady said. “You’re at the end of the race but you’ve got your biggest mountain to climb right at the end.

“Hopefully all the lessons we’ve learned have allowed us to be at our very best for this moment and that’s what it’s going to take and that’s what we’re prepared for and that’s what I

go out and expect our team to do.”

Brady became the oldest player to be named NFL MVP this season, claiming his third league MVP honour on Saturday.

He led the NFL with 4,577 yards, becoming the oldest quarterback to lead the league in passing yards, with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Brady is under contract through the 2019 season and expects to fulfill that deal. He and Patriots coach Bill Belichick have already won five Super Bowls together, heading into Sunday’s showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Making his eighth Super Bowl appearance, Brady told his wife he would like to win two more Super Bowls before he retires and has said he would like to play until the age of 45.

It remains to be seen, but we do know we will see Brady in a Patriots uniform for a 19th NFL season. (Sportsmax)

Neymar to blame for inflated transfer fees – Barca Vice President

N

eymar’s behaviour during his switch to Paris St-Germain is the reason for football’s inflated transfer fees, according to Barcelona’s vice-president.

Jordi Mestre said the Brazil forward, 25, played “cat and mouse” with the club before his exit in August.

PSG paid 220m euros (£200m) for Neymar, making him the most expensive player Neymar spent four years at Barcelona before moving to Paris StGermain

from page 20

Thomas Rogers (0-30) spilled a tough return catch chance off Head before throwing at the stumps to try to run out Weatherald, only for that to lead to more runs.

Head was then dropped by Short on 10 and Adelaide made the most of those opportunities.

19

SCOREBOARD Adelaide Strikers innings A Carey b J Archer 18 J Weatherald c Bailey b Christian 115 T Head not out 44 C Ingram not out 14 Extras ( 0b 4lb 1nb 0pen 6w) 11 Total (20 overs) 202-2 Fall of Wickets : 1-41 Carey, 2-181 Weatherald Did Not Bat : J Wells, R Lehmann, J Dean,M Neser, P Siddle, L O'Connor, B Laughlin Bowling: Rose 3-0-30-0, Archer 4-0-46-1, Rogers 4-0-30-0, Meredith 3-0-34-0, Short 2-020- 0, Christian 4-0-38-1 Hobart Hurricanes innings (target 203 from 20 over)

T Paine c Carey b Head 5 D Short c Carey b Siddle 68 G Bailey c Lehmann b Siddle 46 B McDermott lbw Siddle 9 D Christian not out 29 M Wade run out (Carey) 0 S Milenko not out 9 Extras (0b 8lb 0nb 0pen 3w) 11 Total (20 overs) 177-5 Fall of Wickets : 1-6 Paine, 2-87 Bailey, 3-120 McDermott, 4-145 Short, 5-145 Wade Did Not Bat :J Archer, C Rose, T Rogers, R Meredith Bowling: Head 3-0-30-1, Neser 4-0-34-0, Laughlin 4-0-43-0, Siddle 4-1-17-3, O'Connor 4-0-27-0, Ingram 1-0-18-0

in history.

“We would have saved a lot of money and a lot of media noise,” said Mestre.

“What hurt me the most was the way it happened.”

Neymar signed a new fiveyear deal at Barcelona in July 2016, which included a 8.5m euro renewal bonus.

Mestre said: “If he came to us and said, ‘I want to go’, we would have reached an agreement. What you can’t do is rock the boat.

“He told us nothing. If he had done, PSG would have been able to buy him for less money and it would have cost us less to sign players too.”

Neymar said at the time of his move that he had “followed his heart”.

“The decision was difficult to take,” he said. “I didn’t come for the money. I came for the

motivation and the challenge.”

Since Neymar’s departure, Barcelona have spent £142m on signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, having brought in Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for an initial £97m, which could rise to £136m.

Premier League clubs spent a record £430m in the January transfer window, which included Virgil van Dijk’s £75m move from Southampton to Liverpool. Following Neymar’s departure, Barcelona said they would withhold a further 26m euro (£23m) loyalty bonus.

“It arrived at a point where we saw where things were going, so we told him we would not pay his contract renewal loyalty fee,” said Mestre.

Fifa is currently investigating following an official complaint from Neymar. (BBC)

20

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monDAY, February 5, 2018

India cruise to victory after feeble Proteas display

V

irat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan led India to a nine-wicket win over South Africa at Centurion.

India made light work of claiming a 2-0 lead in their six-match one-day international series with South Africa after the Proteas were skittled for 118.

Aiden Markram's debut as South Africa captain went from bad to worse at Centurion as the hosts struggled to deal with India's spinners – registering their lowest ODI total on home soil.

Without Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers, the Proteas' batting line-up lacked firepower as only five players reached double figures, and not one went past 25.

Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (5-22) and Kuldeep Yadav (3-20) were their tormentors in-chief, the former claiming his first ODI fivefor as they shared 8-42 from 14 overs.

Having been dismissed for such a miserly total, South Africa's bowlers had the unenviable task of trying to stop Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

It was too big a challenge as India romped home by

nine wickets - albeit after a ludicrous 40-minute break for lunch with just two required - giving them control of the series as it heads to Cape Town.

K a g i s o Rabada thought he had Rohit in the second over, but a successful review showed the Indian opener had not edged behind to Quinton de Kock.

Rohit (15) was w a l k ing in Rabada's n e x t o v e r as he picked o u t

India's impressive performance with the bat was in stark contrast to South Africa's earlier in the day, De Kock lucky not to be out first ball when a delivery

51-4 having been 39-0, with skipper Markram removed for just eight.

JP Duminy (25) and debutant Khaya Zondo (25) offered a glimpse of hope as

SCOREBOARD

Shikhar Dhawan chops the ball behind square on the off side (© BCCI)

Morne Morkel in the deep, but attempts to remove Dhawan (51 not out) and Kohli (46 not out) proved futile.

Even Imran Tahir (0-30) could not cause the Indian duo any troubles as the tourists coped with the slow conditions much betYuzvendra Chahal picked up ter than their his first ODI five-for (© BCCI)

hosts.

Dhawan had some fortune when he was dropped

by David Miller in the covers, but the game was already gone for South Africa.

Victory was delayed when the umpires took the players off with India only needing two to win, but when they returned Kohli struck the winning runs with a sweep for two.

South Africa innings H Amla c Dhoni b B Kumar 23 Q de Kock c H Pandya b Chahal 20 A Markram c B Kumar b K Yadav 8 JP Duminy lbw Chahal 25 D Miller c Rahane b K Yadav 0 K Zondo c Ha Pandya b Y Chahal 25 C Morris c B Kumar b Y Chahal 14 K Rabada lbw K Yadav 1 M Morkel lbw Chahal 1 I Tahir b Bumrah 0 T Shamsi not out 0 Extras (0b 0lb 0nb 0pen 1w) 1 Total (32.2 overs) all out 118 Fall of Wickets : 1-39 Amla, 2-51 de Kock, 3-51 Markram, 4-51 Miller, 5-99 Zondo, 6-107 Duminy, 7-110 Rabada, 8-117 Morkel,

from Jasprit Bumrah (1-12) hit the stumps but failed to dislodge the bails.

It was a reprieve South Africa failed to take advantage of as they slumped to

9-118 Tahir, 10-118 Morris Bowling: B Kumar 5-119-1, Bumrah 5-1-12-1, H Pandya 5-0-34-0, Y Chahal 8.2-1-22-5, K Yadav 6-0-203, Jadhav 3-0-11-0 3.67 India innings (target 119 from 50 overs) R Sharma c M Morkel b Rabada 15 S Dhawan not out 51 V Kohli not out 46 Extras (0b 1lb 0nb 0pen 6w) 7 Total (20.3 overs) for-1 119 Fall of Wickets : 1-26 Sharma Did Not Bat : A Rahane, M Dhoni, K Jadhav, H Pandya, B Kumar, K Yadav, J Bumrah, Y Chahal Bowling: Morkel 4-030-0, Rabada 5-0-24-1, Morris 3-0-16-0, Tahir 5.30-30-0, Shamsi 3-1-18-0

they put on 48 for the fifth wicket, but the latter's dismissal began a collapse that saw their final six wickets fall for just 19 runs. (Sportsmax)

Mominul, Liton help Bangladesh Weatherald ton seals earn draw in run-fest Strikers’ maiden BBL title

M

ominul Haque became the first Bangladesh cricketer to hit a century in each innings of a test match as he and Liton Das helped the hosts secure a draw in the

nings on 713 for nine, Bangladesh needed to bat out three sessions to save

de Silva had Mominul caught in the slip.

Stand-in skipper

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh 1st innings 513 Sri Lanka 1st innings 713/9 dec Bangladesh 2nd innings (Overnight 81-3) T Iqbal c Dickwella b Sandakan 41 I Kayes c Chandimal b D Perera 19 M Haque c Karunaratne b de Silva 105 M Rahim c Mendis b Herath 2 L Das c Perera b Herath 94 Mahmudullah not out 28 M Hossain not out 8 Extras (3b 2lb 4nb 0pen 1w) 10 Total (100 overs) 307-5 Fall of Wickets: 1-52 Kayes, 2-76 Iqbal, 3-81 Rahim, 4-261 Haque, 5-279 Das Did Not Bat : Miraz, Islam, Islam, Rahman Bowling :Herath 28-6-80-2, Lakmal 9-1-25-0, de Silva 120-41-1 D Perera 26-5-74-1, Sandakan 18-2-64-1, Kumara 6-0-16-0, Mendis 1-0-2-0

first test against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Beginning the final day 119 runs behind and with seven second winnings wickets in hand after Sri Lanka had declared their first in-

The Strikers celebrate with the BBL trophy (© CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Mominul Haque became the first Bangladesh player to score centuries in each innings of a Test (© Associated Press)

the match.

They eventually succeeded in their mission as Mominul followed up his 176 in the first innings with 105 and Liton made 94 after Bangladesh had resumed on 81 for three.

The duo batted through the morning session to frustrate Sri Lanka, their 180run stand coming to an end when spinner Dhananjaya

Mahmudullah faced 65 balls in his unbeaten 28 as Bangladesh reached 3075 when players from both sides shook hands with 17 overs remaining in the batsman-dominated contest in which 1533 runs were scored for 24 wickets in five days.

Dhaka hosts the second and final test from Thursday. (Reuters)

A

blazing century from Jake Weatherald saw Adelaide Strikers win their maiden Big Bash League title with an 25run victory over Hobart Hurricanes.

Weatherald made a spectacular 115 off just 70 balls after the Strikers elected to bat first at Adelaide Oval.

The left-handed opener helped guide Adelaide to 2022 from their 20 overs – the highest total in a BBL final.

George Bailey (46 off 33) and D’Arcy Short (68 off 44) enabled the Hurricanes – playing in their second decider but still without a

crown – to threaten, but they came up shy at 177-5 as a fine spell with the ball from Peter Siddle (3-17) saw the Strikers prevail.

Wonderful Weatherald lifts Strikers

Weatherald belted nine fours and eight sixes in his incredible innings, including combining for a 140-run partnership for the second wicket with Travis Head, who was 44 not out off 29 balls.

The Strikers capitalised on some wayward bowling from Hobart early on, setting the platform for their

huge total with 90 off the first nine overs.

Weatherald eventually fell to Dan Christian (1-38), but the damage had been done.

Hurricanes let chances slip

With Alex Carey (18) and Weatherald opening and Head at number three, Hobart needed quick wickets.

Weatherald was dropped on 24, albeit it was a tough chance at deep mid-wicket, while the Hurricanes missed two opportunities in the 10th over. turn to page 19

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Action in the Herstelling Raiders FC and Swan FC feature match at the Grove Playfield

S

horan James banged in a hat-trick against Swan FC to lead Herstelling Raiders to their second win in three matches when the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) leg of the GFF/ Pele Alumini Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League continued with day four action yesterday at the Grove Playfield.

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Kevon Scott

down the number two spot on the points table ahead of Agricola (both on 6 points) with a better goal difference of +13 to +3, Herstelling playing one more.

Grove maintained their hold at the top after surviving against

Samatta Point/Kaneville in their 1-1 draw. On the day, there were also wins for Kuru Kururu Warriors which needled Timehri Panthers while Friendship All Stars trounced Soesdyke Falcons 4-1.

The feature game of the day turned out to be the shoran James show, his skills and agility being too much for Swan to handle. The Linden Soesdyke Highway (LSH) based side contesting their first tournament on the East Bank had needled Timehri in their debut match one week ago and were confident of taking down another of the seasoned teams but James would have none of that.

They kept Raiders at bay for almost the entire half but finally cracked when James dribbled two defenders before banging the ball into the back of the nets in the 31st minute to break the deadlock.

Swan continued to be a tough proposition for the Raiders in the second half but it was James who whose magic doubled the advantage for his team in the 46th minute and tripled same in the 58th minute. Swan was able to pull one back in the 61st minute but lost the battle, 3-1.

The third match of the day saw Kuru Kururu Warriors, the other Highway based side that lost to Sawn in their first two matches to Grove and Swan respectively rebounding to record their first points when they needled Timehri Panthers which had won their

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Harry Kane scored his 100th Premier League goal

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first match of the league against Soesdyke.

The first half was a goalless affair and it took a penalty in the second half to separate the two sides.

Kevon Scott who was brought down in the area was the player to drill the shot past Ronaldo Blair in goal for the Panthers who muffed numerous chances during the match.

Friendship also eased into the point’s zone with a comfortable win over Soesdyke Falcons, 4-1.

Marlon Dey opened the scoring for Friendship in the 11th minute but that advantage was cancelled out in the 20th minute through a goal from Tyrone Burnette for Soesdyke.

Three unanswered goals from Alvin Heralall (49), Dey again in the 64th and Jaime France in the 68th minute confirmed Friendship’s 4-1 win which has taken them to the eight position in the 12-team league, just ahead of the Warriors; five teams are on 3-points with Samatta Point on 4 in fourth place.

Yesterday’s opening clash between Grove Hi Tech, the current leaders and Samatta Point/ Kaneville ended 1-1 with Samatta Point creating the most opportunities. Ray Richards netted for Samatta Point while hi Tech’s Captain Devon Padmore converted for his team.

Last-gasp Kane penalty earns Spurs draw at Liverpool

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Marlon Dey (left), Alvin Heralall and Jaime France from Friendship All Stars

H

arry Kane scored his 100th Premier League goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time to snatch a point for Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Mohamed Salah capitalised on a mistake from Eric Dier to put Liverpool in

front in the third minute, taking his tally to 20 league goals for the season.

Substitute Victor Wanyama thundered home an equaliser 10 minutes from time before Kane missed from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.

In the most dramatic of finales, Salah thought he had

won it in the 91st minute, only for Spurs to win another penalty which Kane converted to leave his team fifth in the table, two points behind third-placed Liverpool.

“It is difficult to get every decision right,” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “When they are right and show character I needed to congratulate them.”

Defender Virgil van Dijk, returning to the Liverpool starting lineup, did a fine job of keeping an unchanged Spurs quiet for the majority of the first half.

Liverpool’s task was made easier by their early opener.

Dier, in attempting to make

an interception, diverted the ball into the path of Salah, putting the Egypt international clean through to break the deadlock.

Tottenham’s only shot on target in the first 45 minutes came via the boot of Mousa Dembele, but his half-volley was easily saved by Loris Karius.

Spurs improved after the break and almost equalised through Son Heung-min in the 58th minute, but Karius stood tall to make the block.

The visitors equalised out of the blue when Wanyama thundered the ball into the net from distance before the drama unfolded.

Kane’s tame penalty was easily saved by Karius after the England striker had been felled in the box before Salah danced his way past two Spurs defenders and fired into the net to score what looked likely to be the winner.

However, the linesman spotted a foul by Van Dijk on substitute Erik Lamela in the box, giving Kane the chance to make amends.

“The softest touch in the whole game decides the game,” Klopp said. “It is not a penalty.”

Kane duly converted from the spot with virtually the last kick off the game to silence Anfield. (Reuters)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, february 5, 2018

CBC lauds Guyana’s youth basketball development The boys Under-16 national team which competed in the CBC championships have helped promote Guyana’s development throughout the Caribbean

T

he Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) bestowed an Award of Excellence to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) in recognition of their outstanding performance and dedicated service in promoting basketball in the Caribbean on Saturday in Suriname at the Ramada Princess Hotel.

On behalf to collect the award from International Basketball Federation President Horacio Muratore, was GABF President Nigel Hinds who explained the award also is in recognition of the federation hosting a number of events, most notably the CBC U16 Championships in 2016 and participation in all the CBC se-

nior and junior events in the Caribbean.

Hinds further posited “the federation is honoured to be recognized for our efforts, and appreciative of the flow of support from Government and the Private Sector led by Banks DIH, ANSA McAL, New GPC and Gopie Investments among others”.

“We managed to stay focused on basketball development while we are stilled owed $4.3 Million since 2016 by the National Sports Commission”.

The work of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Director Chris Bowman was also highlighted as one of main reasons for the country’s being able to produce young players and according to Hinds they will

continue to give immense support.

After participation in FIBA Antilles 3X3 under-18 Championships in May held in St Marteen. Attention will turn to seniors Men and Women teams playing in the CBC championships from June in Suriname; the women play from June 1522 and Men from June 22- July 1.

The tentative plans are having DC Hammers tour Guyana in early June and having the senior male team take a trip to Barbados in late May. Regarding the CBC championships, Hinds revealed Noble House Seafoods Limited contributed generously to ensure their fees are paid for the participation in the championships.

Hussain adds Unique Open to 2018 titles Showstoppers still unbeaten Saturday’s Unique Open winners (left-right) William Walker (for Richard Haniff), Peyton George, Mike Mangal, Aleem Hussain and Mike Gayadin

A

leem Hussain bagged his second title of 2018 after a near perfect outing this past Saturday in the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) Unique Open tourney.

Saturday’s action teed off a little after 8:00am with tons of local golfers vying for the numerous prizes and honors which were at stake. In a tournament which saw one group playing in the morning while another took to the Greens in the afternoon, the LGC President shot a near perfect Gross 64/ Net 15 under some murky conditions to bag first place.

The slight drizzles on Saturday did little to deter the golfers, especially the LGC executives who swept the awards following the days play. Second place went to Club Vice-President Paton George who racked up a 67 Gross/ Net 23, with Richard Haniff sealing off the top three with his 67 Gross and Net 15.

Best Gross went to Mike Mangal while Nearest The Pin was

won by the man responsible for having the course in such immaculate shape, Grounds Superintendent Mike Gayadin.

With the LGC pitching a new idea of having an annual Club Champ, points Allocation towards the new Champion saw: Mike Gayadin G69/N13 4th; Roy Cummings G69/N13 5th; William Walker G69/N9 6th; Mike Mangal G70/N8 7th; Fazil Haniff G72/ N14 8th; Haresh Tiwari G72/N18 9th; and Bridgelall Harry G73/N16 10th.

Vouchers were also presented to the winners by daughter of Captain Chatterpaul Deo, twotime Women’s national champ Dr. Joaan Deo. Meanwhile in his brief remarks, Hussain said it was a good day for him but he was weary of his competition. “I had to keep focused, because the competition in my group was fierce. Both Richard [3rd] and Haresh were neck to neck with me until close to the finish.”

D

The action continues to be intense at the Pouderoyen tarmac

efending champions Showstoppers continue to make it a perfect outing in the 2018 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football for the West Demerara/ East Bank of Demerara Zone by winning 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks on Friday at the Pouderoyen tarmac.

With the game goalless at the end of regulation and extra time, it also saw Rising Stars have their first taste of defeat in the tournament, after winning their opening game. Also picking up their second win in the tournament were Zeelugt FC, who defeated Facebook Ballers 3-2, thanks to Jerron Carroll’s double in the 8th and 20th minutes, inclusive of his ‘Guinness Goal’ which counts for ‘two’.

Harmony picked up win number two of the competition, following their 1-0 victory over Veterans, while Hustlers, through Jahaal Greaves’ 17th minute goal, walked away 1-0 victors, over Gas Team.

It took sudden-death kicks from the penalty mark, for Brothers United to edge Mocha 3-2, after finishing regulation time deadlocked on a goal each.

In the night’s fifth game, Gurmin Bynoe scored in the 6th minute to give Harmony Warriors a 1-0 win over Parfaite Hardball.

Nikosie Smith’s goals in the 7th and 16th minutes were enough to put Goal Getters ahead, 2-0 over Police-A in their encounter, and in the following game, West Side Ballers walked away 2-1 winners over Young Ballers.

Jetty defeated Boom Bang 1-0 in their penalty shootout, so too did Mocha-A over Asylum Youths (2-1).

Meanwhile, in the penultimate game of the evening, Emmanuel Thomas (6th), Kevin Jones (10th) and Lexroy Mansfield (12th) all found the net to secure a 3-0 win for Admiral United against Zeelugt Warriors.

The tournament will continue on February 7, 9, 13 and the finals on February 17. Winners of the tournament will take away $400 000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up will be given $200 000 and a trophy.

The third- and fourth-placed finishers will receive $150 000 and $100 000 respectively along with trophies.

monDAY, february 5, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports Under-15

23

Milo Schools Football Tournament 2018

Morgan’s Resounding opening wins Christianburg, send ominous warnings for Demerara, Berbice

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he 2018 Guyana Cricket Board /Dave West Indian Imports U15 tournament bowled off on Sunday with two first round matches.

At Bourda, President X1 won the toss opting to take first strike.

Opening batsman, Bhedesh Persaud scored 13, while Alvin Mohabir and Tulesh Shivrattan contributed with 17 and 15 runs each as they ended on 68 in, 20.5 overs.

Bowling for Berbice, Jonathan Persaud and Jeremy Sandia took 4-21 and 4-10 respectively, as their batsmen; Mahendra Gopilall and Rampertab Ramnauth made 35 and 10 runs to lead their side to an 8 wicket win.

Over at Lusignan, Demerara won by 9 wickets after Essequibo won the toss and elected to bat and struggled in their batting innings after being bowled out for 45 runs in 19.2 overs of their allotted 50 overs.

Chandrapaul Ramraj was the most instrumental bowler, grabbing 4 for 6 off the innings while Taddius Lovell, Alex Ali and Romel Datterdeen took 2 wickets each for 19, 13 and 7 runs respectively.

In Reply, Demerara attained their target in just 6.2 overs scoring 51 for 1

T

The individual skills of some of the Linden players were a great spectacle

Competitions Committee Chairman of the GCB, Colin Europe (left) and Man of the Match (Demerara) Chandrapaul Ramraj

with Romel Datterdeen hitting a massive six to lead Demerara to victory being not out on 7 while Captain Mavindra Dindyal top scored with 14 not out.

At the end of round one, Jeremy Sandia from Demerara and Chandrapaul Ramraj from Berbice teams

were awarded with the Man of the match titles.

In the second round of matches on Tuesday we see Berbice taking on Demerara at Everest and Essequibo facing President X1 at Tuschen; matches are scheduled to commence from 09 00 hours.

op Linden unit C h r i s t i a n burg Secondary School and Morgan’s Learning Centre were at the helm of the dominance on Sunday when the sixth annual Milo Schools Football Tournament continued at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The Linden side obliterated Vergenogen Secondary 11-0 with Andre Myers leading the route with a helmet-tick of gaols. Myers made his marks in the 16th, 27th, 30th & 50th while Mickel Adams (3rd and 10th) and Brentsley Allicock (9th and 42th) scored doubles. Randy

Pickening (21st), Akeem Caesar (43th) and Hirani Gilkes (73th) also supported.

2017 runners-up Morgan’s went two further winning 13-0 against School of Nations. The main playmaker there was Koby Durant with a hat-trick via goals in the 10th , 26th and 36th while a brace each went for Dorwin George (3rd &46th) and Nixon Robertson (55th and 64th).

Wellington DoSantos (12th), Adrian Adelph (13th), Randy Roberts (18th), Rueben Miller (65th), Ryan Dowding (42th) and own goal in the 61st added to the woes of the private school.

The most calm match

of the day came with Annandale Secondary defeating Friendship Secondary 4-1.

Troni Semple with a double via goals in the 27th and 41st and goals from Trevor Fiffee (19th) and Omar Glasgow (33rd) gave the East Coast of Demerara unit the comfortable win. Marlon Hyman in the 3rd scored for the losing side.

Action continues this weekend and teams will be hoping to secure the first place prize of $500,000 which goes towards a school project. Second to fourth, will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively which also go towards school projects.

Blazing start to Magnum ‘Mash Cup’ Fustal T

he inaugural Magnum ‘Mash Cup’ Fustal tournament got off to the best possible start with several of the top teams recording convincing victories on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium.

Tigerbay hammered Hustlers 3-1. Orin Moore recorded a double in the third and sixth minute, while Wendell Austin added a goal in the 14th minute.

Scoring for the loser in the 12th minute was Stephon Reynolds while Team Extreme overcame Sophia 2-1.

A d r i a n Adonis and Pernell Schultz scored in the third and 17th minute each. For Sophia, Dwayne Lowe found the back of the net in the 19th minute.

NK Ballers and California Square battled to a 2-2 stalemate. David George and Delon Kelly

Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde, Technical Director Ian Greenwood along with other organisers meet the teams prior to kick-off

scored in the fifth and seventh minute for California Square.

For Linden unit NK Ballers, Kenard Simon and Keon Sears found the back of the net in the seventh and 11th minute correspondingly.

Similarly, Broad Street and MBK All-Stars played

to a 1-1 result. Akeem Sam handed Broad Street the lead in the 14th minute, while Deon Alleyne equalised two minutes later.

Sparta Boss edged Buxton Diamond 1-0.

Dennis Edwards scored in the 10th minute. Similarly, Gold is Money downed the Rugby Team 2-0.

Siblings Randolph

Wagner and Hubert Pedro, scored in the fifth and 16th minute respectively.

Meanwhile, Ansa McAl AllStars defeated Channel-9 Warriors 2-0.

Delroy Dean bagged a brace in the fifth and 15th minute. Silver Bullets riddled Kingston 5-0. Jermaine Samuels led the rout with a double in the fifth and 17th

minute.

Chipping in with goals in the 10th, 13th and 16th minute correspondingly were D. Freeman, Omar Williams and Damion Williams.

Also, Showstoppers and Bent Street defeated North Ruimveldt and YMCA AllStars respectively via walkovers.

The competition which

resumes on Tuesday sees over $800,000 in prize monies and trophies being distributed to the winners, along with prizes for outstanding individual performances. The winning team will receive $400,000 while first runner-up will collect $200,000, the third place finisher will pocket $100,000 and fourth place $50,000.

monDAY, February 5, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Milo Schools Football Tournament 2018

Christianburg, Morgan’s send ominous warnings

Pg 23

Christianburg Secondary School (yellow bibs) were making all the moves on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue

CBC lauds Guyana’s youth basketball development Pg 22

Blazing start to Magnum ‘Mash Cup’ Fustal

Pg 23

Team Extreme’s Eon Alleyene (red attire) in a battle for possession against Sophia on Saturday at the National Gymnasium

GABF President Nigel Hinds with the Award of Excellence and FIBA President Horacio Muratore in Suriname on Saturday

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