Guyana Times, Friday June 21, 2019

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3961

friday, june 21, 2019

PRICE

House-to-House ploy

Opposition Leader calls out President for peddling falsehoods

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“I can submit list in one hour for new GECOM Chair – Jagdeo to Granger P9

Page 3

…as Granger, Cabinet mum on resignation

2 killed, 1 critical in Berbice fiery crash Dead: Dannyram Dauraj

Dead: Kelvin Atherly-Ward

GECOM stonewalls Bandits drop loot after on elections shots fired readiness See story on page 10

Page 10

ERC investigating Govt Ministers' inciting statements CCJ judgements

Court paves way for restoration of economic confidence, job creation - Ali Page 7

Emerge BPO admits to P14 dismissing hundreds of employees

Welder P15 charged for attempting to kill stepfather

“Spiritual healer” P13 slapped with rape charge

Page 14

…as illegal GECOM Chair squats on job

$80 vat included

Guyanese urged not to take P13 environment for granted

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Opposition demands probe into sale of P7 GuySuCo assets

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friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

House-to-House ploy

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

Friday, June 21 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, June 22 – 08:00h-09:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, June 21 – 06:30h-08:00h and Saturday, June 22 – 07:10h-08:40h.

…as Granger, Cabinet mum on resignation

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals in the early morning will be followed by light rain showers with sunshine returning in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:43h and 19:13h reaching maximum heights of 2.51 metres and 2.36 metres.

Low Tide: 12:45h reaching a minimum height of 0.72 metre.

wednesday, JUNE 19, 2019

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THURSDAY JUNE 20, 2019

DAILY MILLIONS

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Opposition Leader calls out President for peddling falsehoods

21 SUPER PAY DAY

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

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ontrary to President David Granger’s declaration that the current voters’ list will not include youths and young adults from the age of 18 years since 2015, there have been at least three cycles of continuous registration and those were done to update the National Register of Registrants and once those persons attain the age of 18, their names are transferred to the Official List of Electors, commonly called the voters’ list.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who, at his weekly press conference on Thursday, called out President David Granger for deliberately peddling falsehoods about the voters’ list.

Given the three cycles of continuous registration since 2015, Jagdeo stated that the current voters’ list was not flawed and could be used to facilitate elections in Guyana within the constitutionally stipulated time frame.

“So this falsehood, this falsehood that he perpetuates – that people are not on since the last elections in 2015 – the people who are not on the list is a total lie. It is beneath the President to so flagrantly lie to the people of our country. It is a flagrant lie,” the Opposition Leader said.

He explained that in light of the recent ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice that the NoConfidence Motion was validly passed in December 2018, elections could be held within three months from the date that this momentous decision was made, which was June 18, 2019.

Jagdeo reminded that the list in question was the list that the Government Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and GECOM’s Chairman deemed as valid up to April 30 last.

He added that there have been several cycles of continuous registration giving Guyanese an opportunity to register since the last House-to-House registration.

“So, in July last year, the last cycle of continuous registration came to an end and anyone who was 14 at October 31 of 2018 could have registered. So, everyone knows once you get on that Register of Registrants, once you at-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

tain the age of 18, your name then gets transferred to the Official List of Electors … the voters’ list.”

The Opposition Leader maintained that Houseto-House Registration was not necessary to facilitate elections during the constitutionally-mandated timeframe of three months and that GECOM could be ready to host elections by this date.

“The current list, appropriately updated consistent with the Representation of the People’s Act, can be used to facilitate those elections within three months.

And that contrary to what they have been peddling, this doomsday scenario that people are going to be disenfranchised, young people will not be able to vote – that is a falsehood.

That is a total falsehood.”

Jagdeo emphasised that the Public Relations

Officer of GECOM, earlier this year, had stated that the Commission could be ready for elections within a three-month period and even the Chief Elections Officer appointed at GECOM confirmed that the current voters’ list is “clean”.

“And had we held the elections in March consistent with the no-confidence motion that was the same list that would have been valid. Now suddenly this list is outdated and corrupted. It may hold as many as 200,000 incorrect entries so this is the first time we are hearing it may hold as much as this, another wild speculation and misleading statement on the part of the President,” Jagdeo added.

It was only on Tuesday that the CCJ ruled that Government was defeated by the Opposition’s no-confidence motion last December.

Art 106 resignation

Since the ruling on Monday, the President and his Cabinet have been mum on the issue of Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana, which stated that they should resign. Article 106 (6) brings to a halt their functions, including aiding and advising the President in the general direction and control of the Government, proposing legislation, reviewing con-

President David Granger

tracts over $15 million and making appointments.

Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution states, respectively: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” And “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

In fact, Cabinet was hosted on Tuesday in clear defiance of the CCJ ruling.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

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

Separation of powers

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he 90-day period to hold elections following the successful passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018 came to an end in March, and another three months later, the Guyana Elections Commission is still not ready for General and Regional Elections. In fact, GECOM has gone silent since the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled on Monday that the noconfidence motion was validly passed. As of now, from what is currently playing out in the country’s political sphere, the Constitution is being trampled upon, and the court of law is being disregarded by the current Government.

The actions of the Government over the past two days have brought up again the debate of the mechanism of “separation of powers”, and the need for it to be respected.

While the doctrine was first enunciated in the middle of the 18th Century by the Frenchman Montesquieu, it was given life in the first written Constitution of a nation – that of the 13 colonies that rebelled against the tyranny of British rule and established the United States of America. The gist of the concept is simple but profound in its implications. Since the powers of the Leviathan state can be abused when they are controlled by one person or a group, Montesquieu proposed that power could be functionally divided among Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the Government. This allocation of powers would be described in the Constitution, the supreme law of the land.

The Executive would be responsible for running the Government, the Legislature for enacting laws, and the Judiciary for ensuring those laws are not transgressed by the citizenry and the Constitution is not violated by the other two co-equal branches.

Because “men are not angels”, in the words of one of the framers of the American Constitution, incumbents always try to increase their powers, especially where the lines between the branches of Government are not watertight.

For instance, since the Judiciary is the arbiter of the Constitution, and therefore the guardian of the boundaries of power in the other two branches, citizens have to be very vigilant to ensure that neither of those branches hobbles or controls the Judiciary when it exercises its power of judicial review. It is for this purpose that, for instance, the salaries of the Judiciary must be independent of Executive control; even judicial mouths may be muzzled by the hands that feed them.

Another way in which the Executive may try to influence judicial decisions is by ensuring the Bench is packed with individuals with whom they are comfortable.

To lessen this eventuality in Guyana, Judges are supposed to be nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and then appointed by the President. If, however, the President has some concerns about the nominees, he can return the list to the JSC for reconsideration; but if it returns the list, the President has to either approve the nominees or sit on the list. In the latter case, as is presently the case in Guyana, a crisis can develop in the Judiciary, since their ranks can become decimated to such an extent that justice cannot be served in the courts.

Given this doctrine, and given all that the Government has thus far done to avoid complying with the Constitution, in defiance of the CCJ ruling, a situation can arise in which the country can be deemed ungovernable, as had obtained in the past. The aftermath of the 1997 elections is a classic example of an ungovernable environment being created, despite the fact that it was not an issue of unconstitutionality, but one of dissatisfaction over the results of those elections.

Having walked that road, having fought for what it believed to be right then, having ignored the Constitution now on the no-confidence vote, the Government seems unconcerned about the potential negative impact its action would have on all.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today, it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Every year, International Day of Yoga is observed on June 21 and this year, it is observed under the theme, “Yoga for Climate Action”

Venezuelan mothers, children in tow, rush to migrate

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others dragged their children across three countries, trekking around border checkpoints and crossing rivers in waist-high water.

Others were conned by fake travel agents, or robbed by bandits.

They breastfed in immigration lines, tended to fevers in parking lots, and stroked the tiny hands of their children on bus rides into the unknown.

Venezuelan women arrived in unprecedented numbers at Peru’s border this past weekend, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – part of a rush across South America by tens of thousands of Venezuelan migrants after Peru announced it would tighten entry requirements in June.

“It’s as if we were all blind, wandering here together,” Erika Quevedo, 28, said of her eight-day trip from her hometown of Barquisimeto in Venezuela with her two children and her mother.

Like many of the dozens of Venezuelan women interviewed by Reuters at Peru’s northern border city of Tumbes, Quevedo said she paid guides in Colombia to help her family make the trip, only to find they disappeared with their money.

With little cash left, she survived the rest of the trip by banding together with other single mothers she met on the way.

“I don’t know what I would have done without them,” Quevedo said of her female travelmates as they hustled with their kids toward Peru’s border.

Remittances no longer enough

Men dominated the first waves of Venezuelan emigra-

Venezuelan migrant Maria Valdez, 31, poses for a picture with her children Yoimairy, 9, and Darien, 1, while they wait to process their documents at the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border service centre, before they continue their journey, on the outskirts of Tumbes, Peru, June 17, 2019

tion, helping to build a diaspora from Bogota to Madrid that is now more than four million strong, according to the United Nations.

But Venezuela’s deepening economic crisis is now dislodging some of the country’s neediest. Many of the women, children, and elderly they left behind now are rushing to catch up to family members in cities across South America and beyond.

Fuelling the exodus are fading hopes for change in Venezuela, as the Opposition’s bold plans to unseat President Nicolás Maduro appear to have diminished.

At the same time, US sanctions aimed at weakening Maduro are exacerbating the economic crisis, hitting the poor hardest.

“We can’t survive on what they were sending anymore,” said Rosalba Barrios, a 51-year-old mother of eight crossing the border with a daughter and two grandkids, on their way to join her adult children in Lima.

Barrios, a seamstress, described a family torn apart by dysfunction in Venezuela.

Within 18 months of each other, she lost her 28-yearold son in one of Caracas’ frequent armed robberies

and her 83-year-old mother to cancer due shortages of medicine.

“Emigrating isn’t easy,” Barrios said, crying as her family huddled together beneath the rain at the border checkpoint. “I never wanted to leave. Not me. It’s not easy to say goodbye. To leave the life you know.”

“Betting on Guaidó”

Tears came easily to the migrant mothers.

Marlioth Armas, 28, cried in frustration describing the constant shortages of basic goods in Venezuela.

“Milk!

Shampoo!

Nothing!” said Armas, cradling her daughter before continuing her trip to reunite with her husband in Lima. “I just want to live somewhere we can get things and be normal.”

Many said they had been mulling a move for months, but had remained hopeful the crisis would abate. They mustered enthusiasm for Juan Guaidó, Venezuela’s Opposition Leader who invoked the Constitution in January to assume the presidency, in a challenge to Maduro.

“I really was betting on Guaidó. I was sure he was going to change the country,” said Andraimi Laya,

22, her two-year-old wiggling in her arms.

When Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra announced Venezuelans must have passports and visas to enter Peru starting June 15, Laya dropped everything.

She put her dream of becoming a police officer on hold, sold her last valuable possession, her TV, and headed for Peru with her daughter.

“I said, ‘no, I’m not going to die here. This might be my last chance.’”

“This is a demonstration”

Laya wasn’t alone.

Nearly 50,000 Venezuelans entered Peru in the past week, according to official figures – creating dayslong backlogs at the border at Tumbes. In previous months, between 1500 and 2000 a day had entered.

“This is a demonstration. This is Venezuela saying we don’t want to be governed like that. We don’t want that man as president,” Margarita Sulbaran, a 55-year-old mother of seven, said of Maduro.

But the mad rush to Peru’s border in the past week was largely unnecessary. Peru only tightened entry requirements on Venezuelan migrants, leaving its policies regarding asylum-seekers unchanged.

The latest wave of migrants is arriving just as sentiment toward Venezuelans has soured.

But Quevedo said anything beats being a mother in Venezuela. When her son was born, prematurely, she couldn’t summon an ambulance or a ride to the hospital.

“My son was born in my house and my mom was the midwife,” Quevedo said. “If it weren’t for my mom, my son wouldn’t be here.” (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

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

No protest can overturn CCJ decisions

Dear Editor, “Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; but with all of your getting, get understanding” – Proverbs 4:7 The time has come for rational, reasonable and measured actions for the good of Guyana by all the leaders of Guyana. We in the PPP/C have demonstrated patience, tolerance and great restraint in the face of unwarranted provocation. Our leaders and our supporters have not merely “mouthed” social cohesion.

We practice it.

December 21, 2018 – the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion against the Granger Administration has come and gone.

January 31, 2019 – ruling of the Chief Justice has long passed.

March 22, 2019 – the rulings of the Guyana Court of Appeal have come and gone.

June 18, 2019 – rulings by the Caribbean Court of Justice have come and gone, but these historic rulings are still fresh in our minds.

It is the final determination of all these legal matters

that have besieged us over the preceding six months.

This charade by the APNU/AFC Government which should have been over since March 21, 2019, according to Articles 106 (6) and (7) of our Constitution, seems to be an unending episode that must be immediately brought to an end.

As I pen this letter, the Granger-led Government is in Albouystown mobilising persons for street protests.

They have also commandeered approximately 300 persons who are currently undertaking weeding and

under-bushing work, provided by means of questionable contracts, on the Linden-Soesdyke highway, to be used today, June 21, for protest actions in front of GECOM, reportedly to demand “no house-to-house registration; no elections”.

This kind of mobilisation is obviously taking place in other areas as well. The use of state resources to transport, feed and pay protesters for today’s exercise is being done by the issuance of questionable contractual arrangements.

No protest can overturn

the decisions of the CCJ. What is needed is for full constitutional compliance, adherence to the rule of law, and statesmanship that puts Guyana first. Mr President, name the date for General and Regional Elections now!!!

Since you are the one constitutionally-empowered to name the date, then fill in the blank: Elections will be held on AA….. August 2019; no later than Monday, September 16, 2019.

This country is too precious to be held to ransom by desperate people

whose only intention is self-enrichment. Guyana needs a new team that will work for all Guyanese.

Stop denying the citizens their constitutional right to elect a Government of their choice. Let every Guyanese – 18 years and over, be allowed to exercise their franchise in an environment that is free from fear at free and fair elections.

God is watching us.

Dear Editor, When the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) gave its ruling, there should have been strict adherence to the dictates of the law which states; (a) Parliament should be dissolved and the Cabinet, including the President, must resign forthwith. (b) The Government must thereafter operate in a caretaker capacity. (c) The President must set a date for General and Regional Elections. (d) The handpicked appointee for the GECOM Chair must be revoked and a new Chairman selected from a list given by the leader of the opposition.

Now, Mr Granger has done none of the above and in an open violation of the court, is making all sorts of double talk on issues that have nothing to do with the ruling of the court. In

this regard, he is hell-bent on an illegal contemptuous course of stay in office. It is quite clear now that Mr Granger is on a three card con game to openly violate the Constitution and delay the inevitable. But try as he might, he cannot outrun the Constitution because the law is the law and it must be respected.

Granger knows what will be his fate at the polls, there is no doubt about that, his prospects look grim with each passing day. So, this President is exploring every avenue to do the despicable thing of trying to stave off a meet with the electorate.

As predicted, he is going down the path of engaging Jagdeo in another eddying circle of discussions on the way forward. These discussions, like those that preceded his unilateral appointment of Mr Patterson, never amounted to anything

of significance and there is no indication that this other round will result in a decision either. So, here we go again.

In the same vein, the present GECOM Chairman is planning to write to the CCJ as a point of clarity as to what it meant when they said his unilateral appointment was illegal. And dare I say, what bunk!

Mr Patterson, who is a retired legal person, should know the meaning of the term "illegal appointment".

What is there so technical to understand? So, like his President, that nonsensical statement of his is just another delaying tactic, pure and simple.

At the same time, we see an activated age-old PNC tactic of fear and intimidation with these threats being issued by the various Ministers of Government.

Threats are coming from

the Finance Minister with his “war break” comments and from the Prime Minister. They are both preaching the message of violence. These two pathetic souls must realise that Guyanese are sick and tired of the fear and corruption this Government has plunged this country into, and can hardly wait to register their most profound disapproval of this Administration in the next general election. So, your threats are only solidifying our resolve to vote you out of office.

Finally, Mr Granger cannot continue to disregard the CCJ's ruling which is very definitive and final.

At this stage of the political game, strict compliance is required.

Yours truly, Bishop Juan A Edghill

Guyanese people Mr Granger cannot continue to are not incapable disregard CCJ's ruling of logical thought

Dear Editor, In a letter to the Editor on May 15, 2017, I expressed serious concerns following (then) Minister of Natural Resources Honourable Raphael Trotman’s statement on the Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil whereby it was noted that “ExxonMobil is allowed to recover expenditure as part of the contract, this is easily understood.

What is not clear is exactly what expenditure, is it the expenditure to the point of discovery? Do we have a figure of how much it cost ExxonMobil to discover the Liza field well and is that the amount to be recovered

by ExxonMobil or is it that we will have to repay all of ExxonMobil’s subsequent costs as they continue to explore?”

That was over two years ago, answers were never provided, for no doubt they were dismissed as ‘non-expert’.

Sadly, the Government is now asking the International Monetary Fund the same questions.

The concluding statement of the 2019 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Mission to Guyana states: “authorities have indicated their con-

cerns that the absence of a ring-fencing arrangement in the Stabroek Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) could potentially affect the projected flow of Government oil revenues”.

The harsh truth is that this omission from the PSA could not be made if the persons negotiating on the behalf of the Guyanese people applied logic, common sense, if you will, and genuine concern for the future wellbeing that oil revenues could provide. The adviser on petroleum to the President, Jan Mangal, now claims to have been absent from negotiations. No special knowledge of ‘oil and gas’ was required; just honest care, we may never know if the negotiations were so poorly done due to negligence, corruption, deficient logic or basic stupidity; what I do know, is that no Administration that cares so little for the future wellbeing of its people, should ever be elected again. The Guyanese people are not incapable of logical thought and we know the clichéd “fool me once” applies in spades.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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Foundation

Am I in a healthy relationship?

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It feels like love — but is it?

t’s totally normal to look at the world through rose-coloured glasses in the early stages of a relationship. But for some people, those rose-coloured glasses turn into blinders that keep them from seeing that a relationship isn’t as healthy as it should be.

What makes a healthy relationship?

Hopefully, you and your significant other are treating each other well. Not sure if that’s the case? Take a step back from the dizzying sensation of being swept off your feet and think about whether your relationship has these qualities: Mutual respect

Does he or she get how great you are and why?

Make sure your BF or GF is into you for who you are. Does your partner listen when you say you’re not comfortable doing something and then back off right away? Respect in a relationship means that each person values the other and understands – and would never challenge – the other person’s boundaries.

Trust

You’re talking with a guy from French class and your boyfriend walks by.

Does he completely lose his cool or keep walking because he knows you’d never cheat on him?

It’s OK to get a little jealous sometimes – jealousy is a natural emotion. But how a person reacts when feeling jealous is what matters. There’s no way you can have a healthy relationship if you don’t trust each other.

Honesty

This one goes hand-in-hand with trust because it’s tough to trust someone when one of you isn’t being honest. Have you ever caught your girlfriend in a major lie? Like she told you that she had to work on Friday night but it turned out she was at the movies with her friends? The next time she says she has to work, you’ll have a lot more trouble believing her and the trust will be on shaky ground.

Support

It’s not just in bad times that your partner should support you. Some people are great when your whole world is falling apart, but not that interested in hearing about the good things in your life. In a healthy relationship, your significant other is there with a shoulder to cry on when you find out your parents are getting divorced and to celebrate with you when you get the lead in a play.

Fairness/equality

You need to have give-and-take in your relationship. Do you take turns choosing which new movie to see? As a couple, do you hang out with your partner’s friends as often as you hang o u t with yours? You’ll know if it isn’t a pretty fair balance.

Things get bad really fast when a relationship turns into a power struggle, with one person fighting to get his or her way all the time.

Separate identities

In a healthy relationship, everyone needs to make compromises. But that doesn’t mean you should feel like you’re losing out on being yourself. When you started going out, you both had your own lives (families, friends, interests, hobbies, etc) and that shouldn’t change. Neither of you should have to pretend to like something you don’t, or give up seeing your friends, or drop out of activities you love. And you also should feel free to keep developing new talents or interests, making new friends, and moving forward.

Good communication

Can you talk to each other and share feelings that are important to you? Don’t keep feelings bottled up because you’re afraid it’s not what your BF or GF wants to hear. And if you need some time to think something through before you’re ready to talk about it, the right person will give you some space to do that. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

What’s an unhealthy relationship?

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relationship is unhealthy when it involves mean, disrespectful, controlling, or abusive behaviour. Some people live in homes with parents who fight a lot or abuse each other — emotionally, verbally, or physically. For some people who have grown up around this kind of behaviour, it can almost seem normal or OK. It’s not!

Many of us learn from watching and imitating the people close to us. So someone who has lived around violent or disrespectful behaviour may not have learned how to treat others with kindness and respect or how to expect the same treatment.

Qualities like kindness and respect are absolute requirements for a healthy relationship. Someone who doesn’t yet have this part down may need to work on it with a trained therapist before he or she is ready for a relationship.

Meanwhile, even though you might feel bad or feel for someone who’s been mistreated, you need to take care of yourself— it’s not healthy to stay in a relationship that involves abusive behaviour of any kind.

Warning signs When a boyfriend or girlfriend uses verbal insults, mean language, nasty putdowns, gets physical by hitting or slapping, or forces someone into sexual activity, it’s a sign of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.

Ask yourself, does my boyfriend or girlfriend: • get angry when I don’t drop everything for him or her?

• criticise the way I look or dress, and say I’ll never be able to find anyone else who would date me?

• keep me from seeing friends or from talking to other guys or girls?

• want me to quit an activity, even though I love it?

• ever raise a hand when angry, like he or she is about to hit me?

• try to force me to go further sexually than I want to?

These aren’t the only questions you can ask yourself. If you can think of any way in which your boyfriend or girlfriend is trying to control you, make you feel bad about yourself, isolate you from the rest of your world, or — this is a big one — harm you physically or sexually, then it’s time to get out, fast. Let a trusted friend or family member know what’s going on and make sure you’re safe.

It can be tempting to make excuses or misinterpret violence, possessiveness, or anger as an expression of love. But even if you know that the person hurting you loves you, it is not healthy.

No one deserves to be hit, shoved, or forced into anything they don’t want to do.

Why are some relationships so difficult?

Ever heard about how it’s hard for someone to love you when you don’t love yourself? It’s a big relationship roadblock when one or both people struggle with self-esteem problems.

Your girlfriend or boyfriend isn’t there to make you feel good about yourself if you can’t do that on your own. Focus on being happy with yourself, and don’t take on the responsibility of worrying about someone else’s happiness.

What if you feel that your girlfriend or boyfriend needs too much from you? If the relationship feels like a burden or a drag instead of a joy, it might be time to think about whether it’s a healthy match for you. Someone who’s not happy or secure may have trouble being a healthy relationship partner.

Also, intense relationships can be hard for some teens.

Some are so focused on their own developing feelings and responsibilities that they don’t have the emotional energy it takes to respond to someone else’s feelings and needs in a close relationship. Don’t worry if you’re just not ready yet. You will be, and you can take all the time you need.

Ever notice that some teen relationships don’t last very long?

It’s no wonder – you’re both still growing and changing every day. You might seem perfect for each other at first, but that can change. If you try to hold on to the relationship anyway, there’s a good chance it will turn sour. Better to part as friends than to stay in something that you’ve outgrown or that no longer feels right for one or both of you. And before you go looking for amour from that hottie from French class, respect your current beau by breaking things off before you make your move.

Relationships can be full of fun, romance, excitement, intense feelings, and occasional heartache, too. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, remember that it’s good to be choosy about who you get close to. If you’re still waiting, take your time and get to know plenty of people.

Think about the qualities you value in a friendship and see how they match up with the ingredients of a healthy relationship.

Work on developing those good qualities in yourself — they make you a lot more attractive to others. And if you’re already part of a pair, make sure the relationship you’re in brings out the best in both of you. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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friday, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CCJ judgements

Court paves way for restoration of

economic confidence, job creation – Ali

P

residential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Irfaan Ali sees Tuesday’s landmark rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as an opportunity to restore economic confidence and job creation in Guyana.

The Trinidad-based regional court ruled that the no-confidence motion against the coalition Government was validly passed on December 21, 2018 and the unilateral appointment of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman was unconstitutional.

In response to these decisions, Ali, in a statement on his social media page, posited that his Party’s “big win” in the Court paved the way for boosting confidence in the country’s economy.

“Investors do not want to invest in countries that are seen as unstable and lack respect for the rule of law and the Constitution. Without investment, we cannot grow our economy and create more

Presidential candidate Irfaan Ali

jobs for Guyanese,” he noted.

According to the PPP/C Presidential Candidate, he is committed to ensuring that Guyana is back in safe and stable hands so that the Constitution is respected and the rule of law is adhered to. “... when Guyana is stable, Guyana’s economy grows and jobs are created ...

Guyana needs strong, stable leadership,” Ali contended.

Since being elected as the Presidential Candidate for the PPP/C, Ali has been on an outreach programme,

listening to concerns of Guyanese – both here and in the Diaspora – and highlighting his Party’s plans should it turn to office to create a better country and improve the lives of its people.

In fact, during an outreach in New York earlier this year, Ali said there was nothing in the country right now that incited excitement among Guyanese, at home or in the Diaspora.

“People have lost hope; they don’t see a future, they don’t aspire to something.

Three and a half years ago … everyone was involved in something or the other that progressed them, that showed they have hope for a future, that they have hope for a better Guyana, that they have hope for better prospects for their families to the extent that we had many persons from the Diaspora who came back and they were investing in that future, because they saw hope in the country.

They saw the country leading in a direction that would create opportunities for

them,” he stated.

The Presidential Candidate promised to lead a Government that would be all-inclusive.

“It is when we achieve that, when everyone feel a sense of hope and pride in Guyana and what Guyana has to offer, that is what will take us very strongly into the future,” he posited.

According to Ali, in order to restore this lost hope and the aspiration that would drive development and economic activity, they need to go beyond the capsuling of ideas into a political party.

The former Housing Minister had reiterated that the journey going forward was not about one person but an all-inclusive team of Guyanese coming together to take the country forward. He outlined that among the strategies that were on the forefront of his Party’s vision is an Image result for Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-driven country that would not only create new jobs but open

up new and important sectors while providing greater efficiencies to existing industries such as health, education, governance, and security. He added that they would also look at utilising technological services as an export commodity earning foreign currency.

Employment creation is one of the pillars that the PPP/C has been touting against the backdrop of thousands of job lost at the hands of the coalition Government.

At a press conference in April, his first since being elected Presidential Candidate, Ali noted that even his Party’s plan to create 50,000 new jobs was insufficient.

“There were some (criticism) raised on the 50,000 job creation, but let me say, this is a very, very conservative figure,” Ali stated.

He went on to outline some of the key sectors in which an Irfaan Aliled PPP/C Administration would provide an array of jobs for Guyanese. These include the ICT sector with the establishment of call centres and provision of critical services in sectors such as education, health, financial services, and security.

Additionally, he mentioned eco-tourism, agriculture, mining, environmental services, forestry, and housing as key sectors that can also churn out many employment opportunities if the right investments were made.

Further, Ali noted that the impending oil and gas sector too can be a great source of job creation within the areas of training, shorebased facilities, gas and energy development, enlightened local content, machinery and engineering.

Opposition demands probe into sale of GuySuCo assets

A

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)

s pressure mounts for a full-fledged investigation into the sale of assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is also demanding that a probe be conducted.

He posited that, now, even the managers at GuySuCo are calling on President David Granger to investigate the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the divestment of assets, but the President opts to remain silent on the matter.

“So, guess what Winston Jordan (Finance Minister) has to say? He said investors are walking away from GuySuCo, they don’t want to buy the estates now. Nobody wants to come and invest with this Government; that’s the reality. Nobody wants to invest, they have no confidence in them,” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader stated that the Government, specifically the Finance Minister, has repeatedly

declared that several potential investors were positive about doing business with the Government in relation to the privatisation of the sugar industry, but now the minister is singing a different tune.

“Which investor will want to come, when every day they hear in the news that you are stripping the assets of even the companies you are privatising, the estates you are privatizing?

Pricewaterhouse(Coopers) did a register and the register must have been sent to all of the investors, and the investors are hearing, what will they buy into, pay for, these things are not going to be there. These guys are selling out the things…so he (Jordan) now says that all 4 estates are now scrap metal.”

According to Jagdeo, the Finance Minister should be cautious as to how he continues to operate in the daily operation of the ministry and agencies that fall under his purview, since he will be held accountable once the PPP regains power and returns to Government.

In light of recent reports that NICIL sold and may have undervalued two transmission towers belonging to the GuySuCo, Transparency International Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) has also been calling for answers.

TIGI President, Dr Troy Thomas, recently noted that NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which was created to oversee the divestment of GuySuCo’s assets after the industry was downsized to only three estates, must provide answers on the sale, which sources at GuySuCo allege netted a sub-par price of just $2.1 million.

“They must answer questions about how that (transaction) was done, and whether the laws were followed. And if the laws were not followed, then that would come under SARA (State Assets Recovery Agency) at this point, although there can be other agencies. But we definitely need to make sure that things were done properly; and if they were not done properly, then those responsible must be held accountable,” he posited.

In fact, Dr Thomas reminded that when Government assets are being disposed of, there should be open tendering to ensure the state receives the best price for its property. He noted that assets could easily be undervalued, and the state would lose money when procurement laws are not followed.

Officials from GuySuCo were recently quoted in sec-

tions of the media as questioning the sale by NICIL of two GuySuCo transmission towers to Bobby Vieira’s Multicultural Communications Inc for a mere $2.1 million. One of the towers, reports suggest, has since been leased to another company.

Another concern was that the assets were not even vested to NICIL. Earlier this month,

GuySuCo blasted NICIL for the current troubles with the divestment process, saying that the Unit has left it in the dark about the sale of its own assets.

In a strongly-worded statement, in which it accused the SPU of unprofessionalism, GuySuCo criticised NICIL’s approach to the divestment. According to GuySuCo, NICIL has been slothful; and because

of this, has not executed any major investments with the process approaching its second year.

In addition, GuySuCo slammed NICIL for the current arrangement that sees it pocketing proceeds from the assets it did divest. GuySuCo claimed that it should be the other way around, so that the Corporation could fund its own strategic plan.

8 News

friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

ERC investigating Govt Ministers’ inciting statements

ERC Chairman, Reverend John Smith

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omments by senior Government officials to initiate “street protests” and “war break” in a bid to lobby for house-to-house registra-

tion are currently under the microscope of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), after Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira penned concerns on the outcome of such statements.

Chairman of the Commission, Reverend John Smith explained on Thursday that the body is in receipt of the letter and it was forwarded to the Investigation Unit. After the evaluation is completed, Commissioners will make their input to determine the final outcome.

Asked whether the Commission has expressed concerns over the series of events, Smith noted that it is too early to determine since the letter was sent just a couple of days

Thuggery…

T

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

ago.

“We have received them.

There is a system that we do that we send them over to the Investigation Unit so it is gone and they will deal with it from there…At the end of the investigation, it comes to the Commissioners so it is early days. The speech was on Monday and today is Thursday.

We’re here two days,” he stated.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had written both the Commissioner of Police and the ERC over the comments made by Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo just after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira in the letters to the Police Commissioner and ERC Head referenced media reports quoting the two officials while on a Government- sponsored outreach in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

In this letter, she called on Smith and Leslie James to intercede with the President and his Ministers, in keeping with

the Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote peace and harmony.

“Reports in the media emanating from the President and Ministers are cause for concern.

These statements in response to the rulings of the highest court of Guyana, the Caribbean Court of Justice, have been unsettling and disturbing. These statements and declarations should no doubt also be cause for profound concern by Ethnic Relations Commission and the entire citizenry,” Teixeira noted in her letter.

She added that these statements are inciting and a threat to public order and safety, and are in contempt of the Caribbean Court of Justice rulings of June 18, 2019. “I, therefore, call on the ERC to carry out its constitutional mandate vigorously to promote peace and harmony and to stand publicly in defence of the rule of law and the Constitution. I urge you to register with the President and his Ministers that the CCJ ruling must be complied with in spirit and intent,” Teixeira also wrote.

She referenced Jordan’s calls for citizens to be ready to protest for house-to-house registration and uttering “war break” as he called for street protests.

Another reference was made to Jordan saying that regardless of the CCJ ruling, houseto-house registration must be carried out. Meanwhile, she referenced quotes attributed to Nagamootoo in which he warned of “trouble” if house-tohouse registration was not completed.

In her letter to Police Commissioner Leslie James, she reminded him of his calls on March 21 for Guyanese to remain calm and keep the peace.

She also reminded him that he had warned at the time that persons breaching the law would be held accountable. According to Teixeira, these statements are inciting and a threat to public order and safety.

“Your statement of March 21, 2019, is more relevant now than then, as we have now the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court, and we are all, therefore, expected to abide by the CCJ rulings that the No-Confidence Motion is valid and elections must be held within the shortest time. I, therefore, call on you as Commissioner and the custodian of public safety and order to carry out your mandate vigorously and to publicly defend, preserve, and protect the rule of law and the Guyana Constitution in our nation,” the letter read.

Last Tuesday, the CCJ gave its final judgment that Government was defeated in the No-Confidence Motion case. The court also ruled that GECOM Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, was unconstitutionally appointed.

…and the PNC he CCJ decision has ripped away the mask of urbanity the PNC tried to adopt when they selected David Granger as their leader back in 2011. SELECTED!!

Up to then, they’d been tagged as the party of violence, after their rampages in the 1960s had catapulted them into power in tandem with the electoral machinations of the Brits and Yanks, who just didn’t trust the PPP under Jagan. The violence erupted sporadically over the years -- to secure ballots (by the army); to keep the Opposition cowed (House of Israel and thugs under Hamilton Green); and to spread terror in the hearts of the PPP supporters (kick- down-the-door bandits) -- ‘till free and fair elections of 1992.

For the next 16 years, they reprised the widespread violent attacks against the PPP and their supporters violent protests in the streets; arson and mayhem in the city; and, finally, terroristic armed attacks against the state and “PPP villagers” by gangs based in Buxton -- until those gangs were literally wiped out by 2008.

At that juncture, PNC leader Corbin, who’d been closely identified with the violence and rigging, decided to paint some lipstick on the PNC. He picked the avuncular former head of the army, David Granger, and according to Aubrey Norton, a former General Secretary of the PNC, rigged the leadership elections to be at the head of the PNC. Granger was to reveal that he’d been a member of the PNC ever since he returned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1965 in Burnham’s newly formed GDF. What has been forgotten by most is that Granger had Burnham’s confidence early on, since he was given the task of carrying out the army’s “ideological orientation”: which was basically that Burnham’s every whim was to be obeyed!!

When Rodney was infiltrating the GDF by 1979, Granger was promoted ahead of a large number of more senior officers to head the GDF. It was under his watch at the GDF that army personnel Gregory Smith assassinated Walter Rodney.

So those who felt that Corbin was making a “root and branch” change in the GDF with Granger were sorely mistaken. Similarly, those who talk of “hardliners” in the PNC who’re pressuring Granger towards a more confrontational path just don’t understand the creature of Burnham’s they’re dealing with. Granger is an anti-democrat who’s used to command and control, not discussion. This is the reason for his crude questioning of the CCJ’s decision on his unilateral appointment of Patterson.

And Nagamootoo and Johnson’s bellicose call to wage war against early elections?

After more than four years under Granger, they know the measure of the man: Talk softly and carry a stick!! …and “royalty” Joseph Harmon, Director of the Ministry of the Presidency, just described PM Nagamootoo as “royalty”!!

This hyperbolic effusion, of course, was in the wake of the embarrassing but overwhelming AFC rejection of Nagamootoo as their PM nominee, if they were to be in coalition with APNU at the next elections. So we should take the bouquet with a handful of salt!!

For those of us who know Nagamootoo, it’s clear that after he left the AFC vote precipitately, when he saw how the wind was blowing, he ran sobbing directly to the Ministry of the Presidency, within which his office is subsumed. What else was Harmon to say?? That Nagamootoo was rejected as damaged goods by a dead meat party that was incapable of even garnering a single NDC seat in Nagamootoo’s home village of Whim?

And, then again, it might just be a signal that the PNC are not going to have any truck with Ramjattan, who’s prone to embarrassing gaffes.

Unlike Nagamootoo, who sticks to the cloying, sycophantic lines handed to him!! …rising There was a time, not so long ago, when the PNC goons were recruited from the denizens of the less prosperous sections of G/t.

Today, with middle class fellas like Jordan willing to carry that lance, those poor lumpen elements will be jobless!!

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

news

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friday, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“I can submit list in 1 hour for new GECOM Chair” – Jagdeo to Granger

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n light of a recent ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that the unilateral appointment of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Retired Justice James Patterson is unconstitutional, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says that he can present a new list of nominees within an hour for President David Granger to make a new appointment.

According to the Constitution, the President is required to appoint a Chairperson for GECOM from a list of names submitted by the Opposition Leader.

Back in 2017, Jagdeo had submitted three separate lists, but the Head of State rejected all 18 nominees and went ahead in October of that year to unilaterally appoint Justice Patterson as Chairman of the elections body.

However, CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders on Tuesday ruled that Justice Patterson’s appointment was unconstitutional and that the process was “fatally flawed”.

Against this backdrop, Jagdeo posited that he was ready to submit a fourth list to President Granger for the current Chairman of the elections body to be replaced. Insisting that the Head of State must comply with the Court’s ruling, the Opposition Leader noted that there could not be a unilateral appointment when he was still willing to engage.

“I am willing to engage and I can have a list ready in a matter of hours consistent with the judgement of the CCJ: that this is the way it should move forward. This is vital for us and I hope in the consequential orders, the Court will look at this because the President can use this as an excuse – you know, delay the appointment of the new Chairman of GECOM as an excuse to delay the elections further, because that is precisely what they want – as everyone can see,” Jagdeo insisted on Thursday at his weekly press conference.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Only on Wednesday, President Granger maintained that he had selected a “fit and proper” person as Chairman of GECOM in accordance with the definition laid out in the Constitution. In defiance of the court’s ruling, the Head of State told reporters that the CCJ must show where the flaw was.

“I’ve never gone outside the Constitution. If (the Court) tell that the process is flawed, they must let me know what the flaw is! So let us wait until the 24th of June when they make some consequential rulings. There is no way I can see that decisions I’ve taken are flawed,” he posited.

However, in its ruling, the CCJ did give its reason, referencing historical facts pertaining to the previous appointments of GECOM Chairmen.

Justice Saunders also cited the recommendations made by the Constitutional Reform Commission in 1999 that the Chairman should be appointed through consultations.

“To determine the meaning, the Court looked at the drafting history of Article 161 (2), observing that changes had been made to it to promote consensus and inclusiveness by involving the Leader of the Opposition in the selection process,” he stated.

Further, the Judge noted that the President relied on the provisions that gave him

discretionary powers and insulated him from providing an explanation for excluding the Opposition Leader from his final decision.

However, Justice Saunders pointed out that giving the President the power to reject candidates without giving reasons would frustrate what the Constitution contemplates.

In fact, the Court decided that the President has a duty to give reasons for rejecting names in the interest of transparency.

“The Court, therefore, found that the process was flawed and in breach of the Constitution. In a concurring judgment, Mme Justice Rajnauth-Lee stated that by giving reasons why nominees are rejected, the President will engender greater public trust and confidence in the Elections Commission,” Justice Saunders said.

To this end, the Court concluded that the most sensible approach to the process of appointing the Chairman of GECOM is for the Leader of the Opposition and the President to communicate with each other in good faith and, perhaps, even meet to dis-

cuss eligible candidates for the position of Chairman before a list is submitted formally.

The Court also recommended that moving forward, all parties work together as the Constitution envisions to select a Chairman.

Justice Saunders also declared in the ruling that before President Granger rejected persons nominated by the Opposition Leader, reasons should have been given for the rejections in the interest of transparency.

With the Trinidad-based regional court having delivered the landmark rulings, all eyes are on Guyana’s leaders now and their actions going forward. While President Granger on Wednesday committed to meet with the Opposition Leader to discuss the way forward, this meeting is not likely to happen before Monday’s hearing for consequential orders.

On June 24, the CCJ is expected to hand down a series of consequential orders to follow its rulings on Tuesday that the no-confidence motion was validly passed on December 21, 2018 and that the appointment of the GECOM Chairman was

President David Granger

unconstitutional.

However, Justice Saunders had encouraged that the parties come together and agree on the consequences to follow instead of having the court do so.

But Government’s spokesperson, Joseph Harmon told reporters on Thursday that that meeting would happen at a convenient time for both political leaders.

“Monday’s orders do not set a timeframe for the leaders of our country to meet. Our leaders will meet at their convenience, when it is convenient for them to meet. But at all

times, what we had said as a government is that the door is open for our leaders to meet. If, in fact, there is a request from the Leader of the Opposition for a meeting, we will accept that and we will meet. But in this case, we have made this clear that we are prepared to meet and we will invite the Leader of the Opposition to a meeting,” he posited.

Harmon, who is the Director General at the Ministry of the Presidency, went on to note that Government was cognisant about the invitation to the Opposition Leader since it needed to first have an agenda before going into that engagement.

Jagdeo, on the other hand, told reporters at his weekly press conference on Thursday that his lawyers were working on their submissions to come to a consensus ahead of Monday’s ruling.

The Opposition Leader said that he was willing to meet the Head of State to discuss the way forward, giving effect to the court’s ruling. This, according to Jagdeo, means elections in three months and a new GECOM Chairman in place as soon as possible.

10 news GECOM stonewalls on elections readiness friday, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…as illegal GECOM Chair squats on job

A

s President David Granger is still waiting on Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), whose Chairman was unconstitutionally appointed, despite the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling on Monday, to determine when elections will be held, the elections body is mum on the matter.

When contacted to ascer-

tain whether GECOM has taken any further action since the CCJ ruling with respect to election preparations, Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward declined to comment, save to say updates will be available only after GECOM has its next regular statutory meeting.

It has been almost seven months since the No-

Confidence Motion brought by the parliamentary opposition against the coalition Government was passed in the National Assembly, toppling them from power.

Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected

Guyana Elections Commission’s High Street, Georgetown headquarters

members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence”.

Meanwhile, Article 106 (7) states that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by no less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”.

None of this was followed, as the Government then embarked on a series of legal challenges that ultimately ended at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday when it confirmed that the no-confidence vote was valid.

In all that time, however, GECOM failed to carry out any viable preparatory work. This is despite the fact that the Constitution sets out a three-month timeframe for it to carry out elections and also that part of GECOM’s mandate is to always be in a state of readiness for elections whether a no-confidence vote has been brought or not.

The law also stipulates that the voters’ list has to be updated by Continuous Registration and/or Claims and Objections, an exercise persons have opined

GECOM was expected to have embarked upon since last year or, at latest, in January 2019 after the Commission reconvened.

Meanwhile, President David Granger, whose Administration was toppled, on Wednesday reiterated his call for house-to-house registration, an exercise that will further delay elections that should have been held since March 21, 2019.

His comments were viewed as a direct disregard for the ruling of the CCJ, which is the highest regional court.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had thrown the Government an olive branch on Tuesday at a press conference, where he said that while principle meant elections must be held now, in the interests of practicality, the opposition would support elections in two to three months.

The voters’ list, which expired only on April 30, was the one used to carry out Local Government Elections (LGE) in November of last year, an elections hailed by all as smooth and credible.

In addition, GECOM’s own Legal Officer, Excellence Dazzell, had advised the Commission last month that subject to Section 7 (1) of the Elections Amendment Act (2000), there was no need for a new list but rather, the old existing list could and should be updated.

Section 7 (1) of the

Elections Amendment Act states “Where there is an interval of more than six months after the qualifying date …. the Commissioner shall cause the official list of electors and non-resident electors’ roll to be revised, in accordance with procedure established by the Commission by regulations – (a) by adding thereto the names of persons who have or may become qualified electors for registration as after the said qualifying date and before the day appointed for the election; and (b) by deleting therefrom the names of persons who are registered as electors, but have ceased to be qualified to be so registered after the said qualifying date and before such date, being a date prior to the date appointed for the election, as may be specified by the Commission by notification in the Gazette”.

The opinion expressed

by Dazzell also states that: “The use of the word ‘revise’ [in the Election Laws (Amendment) Act 15 of 2000] suggest that the process is not one where a ‘new’ List is generated, but one where the most recent list is updated or amended….I, therefore, advise that procedures be put in place to ensure the revision of the list, otherwise, the Commission would be acting in defiance of the law and may prejudice a by-election that may become necessary”.

Bandits drop loot after shots fired

S

everal gunshots fired during the course of a robbery caused two cutlass-wielding bandits to drop some of the loot and flee the scene after robbing a pump attendant in Berbice.

The incident occurred at the Sookpaul Service Station of Springlands, Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Thursday morning.

According to reports, the two cutlass-wielding bandits approached the pump attendant and relieved him of approximately $45,000 in cash. The duo then proceeded to fill their bags with commodities from the coolers nearby.

However, several gunshots rang out a short distance away from the gas station, startling the bandits.

One of the bandits caught on CCTV footage at the gas station

Guyana Times understands that the robbery was recorded on CCTV cameras and one of the gas station’s owners, who is a licensed firearm holder, responded by discharging several rounds in the air.

This resulted in the bandits immediately dropping the bags with the items

they removed from the coolers and disappearing. They, however, escaped with the stolen money.

The matter was reported and after reviewing the surveillance footage, Police arrested several persons who were taken into custody and are assisting with the investigation.

S RAIGHT

news

Suspected poisoning

Police deployed to probe deaths at Wakapao …Indigenous leaders worried about impact

This illegitimate regime is up to no good

By: Sase Singh MSc - Finance, ACCA

L

ouis IX of France was renowned for the evenhanded manner in which he dispensed justice. King Solomon was also supposed to have done a pretty good job at dispensing justice. What I saw on Globespan24x7 TV on June 18, 2019 vindicated my position that the Caribbean has honourable people at the CCJ, who fulfil this tradition of justice with integrity.

Those learned minds at the CCJ used the drafting history of Guyana to break down extremely complex issues into simple statements of fact. This entire event brought power to the spirit of the Constitution. We Caribbean people must be proud that we have among us a group of learned minds at the CCJ, who are prepared to do the right thing even in an environment populated with so much political pressure.

In his written piece, called ‘Politics’, Aristotle stated, “rightly constituted laws should be the final sovereign”. These men and one woman ensured that the Guyana Constitution remained enshrined as our final sovereign document in an environment wherein legal charlatans were trying to vary its soul. By tracing how the Constitution has evolved from the Independence Constitution to the 1980 Constitution, and then to the Constitutional Reform Process as enacted in 2001, we, the lesser learned minds, were educated by the learned Judges at the CCJ as to why certain insertions and deletions were made to the Constitution at each juncture of its evolution.

What was absolutely clear from that historical journey is that, during the 1999-2001 period, all the stakeholders in the Constitutional Reform Process, especially the PNC and PPP, wanted Article 106. One clear recommendation suggested from that process was that the rights of the Presidency must be amended to dilute the dictatorial powers it had in the 1980 version. The framers of that amendment to the Constitution had focused on reducing the terms in office of a President to only two; but, at the same time, they clearly elucidated in the drafting notes that if a majority of the National Assembly votes in favour of a “motion of no-confidence” against the President and the Cabinet, then the latter shall resign, which in law means they must resign. The operative word is the “majority”, which the CCJ has now defined as 33 elected MPs It was never the intention of the framers of the Constitutional amendments in 2001 to manipulate the meaning of the word “majority”, as one OIL MAGNATE LAWYER attempted to do as a means to an end in 2019. Their intentions were always that a mathematical majority of 65 can vote the Government out. And what is that majority? Did we need to spent G$70 million and counting on legal fees to find the answer to this question? Any Common Entrance student could have accurately provided the answer.

So, in the eyes of the law, the Granger Government fell on December 21, 2018, and they had until March 20, 2019 to conclude their business. All political parties who are interested in forming the next Government of Guyana had ample time to get their houses, cups or palm trees in order, so they could present their programmes and policies to the people and leave the rest up to the voters. But what we saw since that fateful December night was, instead, political deception and delusional legal arguments from the Attorney General’s Team. We saw how personal political tactics were, in a prejudiced manner, inserted into a situation, which resulted in our democracy being undermined. Today, we are the laughing stock of the democratic Caribbean because of these actions. No right-minded, democratically elected leader would take Mr Granger seriously as he journeys along this path of noncompliance with the principles of democracy.

The CCJ has taken Guyana as closely as possible to perfection in the art of judicial decision-making. With “reasoned positions” in the interpretation of the intent of the Constitution, these men and one woman were able to give it to us straight. But, even better, they provided Mr. Granger with a happy exit; yet, as we are seeing today, Mr Granger will have none of it, as he continues to be the Millie Vanilli of Guyanese politics. All we are getting from Mr. Granger is double speak and lip service to the decision.

He is quoted in the press as saying, “I accept, but we shall not have elections…” From Bartica, he declared to the press that he “cannot proceed with the current list of voters”, and he now “awaits a recommendation from GECOM”, whose Chairman was imposed by a flawed process. Only then, after consulting with this illegitimate Chairman, will Mr. Granger issue “a proclamation”. This goes against the grain of the letter and spirit of the CCJ decision.

It is in this regard that I am urging former President Bharat Jagdeo to place his trust in the CCJ, and ignore this illegitimate Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com. regime.

11

friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Dead: Selena Thomas

Dead: Edward Richards

olice ranks have been deployed into the Wakapao Amerindian Reservation to investigate the circumstances leading up to the suspected poisoning of a family which led to the deaths of a father and daughter.

This was revealed by G Division Commander, Khali Pareshram, who told this publication on Thursday that although no report has been formally made to any of the police stations, investigators are in the Wakapao settlements.

“I sent in ranks [on Monday] to visit the area.

This is after the Toshao of

that village/area and myself had a discussion on the matter. Based on this, I sent my ranks in but I do not know how long they will take to do their work in there and when they will return exactly since they have to do an in-depth investigation into the circumstances.”

According to Commander Pareshram, the only known cases of this suspected poisoning are those of the one family that has been affected and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

“They are hospitalised but they were hospitalised in Essequibo and then were

P

all referred to Georgetown.

Everybody that was affected was hospitalised or died in the Georgetown Hospital. As far as I know, at this point, this is not widespread.”

On Wednesday, 76-yearold Wakapao resident, Edward Richards died at the GPHC after having been hospitalised for suspected poisoning. His death came days after his daughter, Selena Thomas, died.

Richards’ condition had worsened on Tuesday and as a result, he had to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. He died on Wednesday.

Four other family members of the now dead man remain hospitalised at the city hospital. The entire family fell ill after reportedly consuming cassava, which they reaped from their farm.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination performed on Thomas on Wednesday was inconclusive and samples were taken to be sent overseas for further testing.

A relative of the family told Guyana Times on Wednesday afternoon that the other family members are being treated for cyanide poisoning.

G Division Commander Khali Pareshram

The relative expressed frustration over the mysterious circumstances which has left two of her family members dead without answers as to what really could have caused their demise. The disastrous ordeal started last week after Richards’ daughter, Selena Thomas, had baked some eight cakes of cassava bread which she and her household consumed and shared with family.

The relative explained that soon after eating the cassava, which they reaped from their farm, they complained of stomach pains then started to vomit. Turn to page 12

12 News

friday, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sluice attendant fearful for life after repeated bee attacks

K

ungbehari Persaud, a sluice operator attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), is calling on the relevant authorities to take measures to prevent him from being constantly attacked by bees.

According to the distraught man, the bees are being reared by a honey farmer nearby the Gay Park/ Inslington Sluice in the East Berbice-Corentyne region and they are constantly attacking

him. He is now fearful every time he operates the sluice.

The fearful man related that the Africanized bees have stung him on several occasions. Persaud expressed concerns that he might be forced to leave the sluice door open during the high tide, which would cause flooding.

Over the past few weeks, the insects have been on a rampage. Persaud said he was told that a fence will be erected to prevent the bees from getting to persons at the

Sluice attendant Kungbehari Persaud

Police deployed to probe...

“They were fine. But they ate cassava which they get from their farm.

They prepared it as a meal and then they started to vomit and they were getting bad pains to their stomach. It was the only thing all of them eat the morning,” the distraught woman related.

The relative added that they reportedly fed the same food to two of their dogs – both of which later died. It is suspected that their farm had been contaminated with an illicit substance.

Indigenous staple

Meanwhile, several Amerindian leaders have since said that the Indigenous community has been con-

suming cassava bread and other cassava products for decades and are fully aware of the process of preparing cassava bread the correct way. The Indigenous leaders believe that the claim of cyanide poisoning by relatives are “irresponsible” and seeks to tarnish the Indigenous staple food which creates a major source of income for Indigenous communities.

Toshao of Santa Rosa Region One (Barima-Waini), Sharon Atkinson in an invited comment on the issue on Thursday stated that the Indigenous people of Guyana and South America that use bitter cassava are aware of the poisonous content and are knowledgeable of processing it.

She called on the Health Ministry to conduct a full investigation into the incident and make a full disclosure soon before speculations become widespread, thereby damaging the image of the products associated with cassava and as a result impacting negatively on the economic gains from those products which serve as a main source of income for Amerindians.

Toshao Atkinson also bashed the Health Department for not yet issuing an official statement on the incident, noting that this is allowing for speculation.

Meanwhile, Toshao of the village, Howard Cornelius took to social media to share his views on the issue while

sluice.

Meanwhile, several other persons in the community have been stung due to the hives being situated close to the Berbice River.

“I told my boss and he said he will speak to the guy minding the bees. The bees stung me again yesterday (Monday).

I spoke to my boss at the Albion Estate again. I called the owner this morning and he told me he will fence the place,” Persaud said.

“At present, I work in fear.

If when the sluice is open and the bees attack me and I have to run and leave it there could be a flood and they would blame the sluice attendant...

I know it is a very important job I am doing,” he added.

The sluice at Islington drains GuySuCo’s cultivation along with Islington, Gay Park and Overwinning.

Persaud said whenever he leaves for work he does so in fear of never returning to his home.

From page 11

calling for an investigation into the incident.

“I will call for an investigation into the suspected food contamination involving a family in my community which has resulted in the death of a member of that family. Rumours have been spreading and fingers have been pointing and accusation are being made especially on social media by villagers themselves. The image portrayed about our village is not good and may affect the market and sales of cassava bread, the product many women in my village depend on to sustain their families,” Toshao Cornelius said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Ohio State University study

Meanwhile, a study by the Ohio State University in 2003 found that cassava is the third-most important food source in tropical countries, but it has one major problem; the roots and leaves of poorly processed cassava plants contain a substance that, when eaten, can trigger the production of cyanide.

The sweet varieties of cassava contain low quantities of hydrogen cyanide so detoxification prior to eating is normally not necessary. These are usually sold locally for household consumption. The bitter varieties of cassava have high hydrogen cyanide content, and must be processed before eating.

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friday, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

CIOG donates supplies to over 650 persons O

ver 650 persons were assisted by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Thursday with the donation of supplies for children and elderly persons across the country.

A formal donation exercise saw mattresses and basic necessities being disbursed to the elderly while stationery and school supplies followed for schoolaged students that were in need of assistance. These vulnerable children will also be given textbooks that are needed in the classroom setting.

Shaikh Moen-ul-Hack of the organisation told Guyana Times that this exercise was made possible through donors in the diaspora and will continue

at Meten-Meer-Zorg on the West Coast of Demerara throughout the week.

The International Development Relief Foundation (IDRF) has been funding a number of distribution exercises at the organisation. However, this donation cost about $5 million.

“The handing over of mattresses, walkers and adult disposable items for the less fortunate in our community was made possible through the International Development Relief Foundation based in Canada. They have funded a number of projects here in Guyana through the CIOG. More than 450 orphans and vulnerable children in all three counties will benefit from this donation and

A few persons who benefited from CIOG’s distribution exercise

more than 200 poor elderly persons will benefit from basic necessities which IDRF has funded,” he said.

Moen-ul-Hack related that they accept mone-

tary and tangible donations from the public to support these ventures. Persons can also donate their time to deliver the items to the recipients. Over the past year,

they have also received assistance from other religious groups.

“Our motto is caring and sharing and to be kind to the less fortunate. So the

CIOG receives both donations in cash as well as in kind. Our contributions are extended to everyone regardless of race or religion.

We accept distribution of clothing, foodstuff, household items and so on.”

Victims of flooding, fires and other disasters also receive support whenever the need arises. It was explained that the local community has played an important role in reaching those that require help.

“Our local community has stood with us, both corporate and Guyanese individuals right across from Food for the Poor, the Humanitarian Assistance Programme, members of the Hindu as well as Christian organisations,” Moen-ulHack expressed.

Guyanese urged not to take “Spiritual healer” slapped with rape environment for granted …as EPA’s role highlighted during public outreach

EPA’s public outreach at Water Street gave the public an opportunity to play games and receive information on environmental issues

T

he EPA, as part of its 23rd anniversary celebrations, hosted a public outreach on Thursday at Water Street, Georgetown, in an effort to increase its visibility and inform the public of the agency’s mandate and its work being done in environmental protection and management.

The event saw a number of persons visiting the booth to learn about the work and mission of the agency, apply for environmental authorisation, get assistance with filling out applications, report environmental pollution, learn about environmental issues, solutions and more.

According to the EPA’s Environmental Officer, Dillon Charles, who was present at the event, it was noted that members of the public are not aware of the role the agency plays in the protection of the environment and as a result, the

outreach served to enlighten the public and share information on environmental issues.

Charles pointed out that as part of the EPA’s continuous efforts in the sustenance of the environment, the agency launched a magazine in February of this year “The Grey Note” and a television programme “The Environment Matters” during the latter part of last year.

These initiatives, he said, seek to foster awareness on environmental issues and build the capacity of the EPA. In observance of its 23rd anniversary, the agency had a number of events planned. On World Environment Day, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a tree planting and beautification exercise in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The event saw a number of staffers participating in planting 23 trees around

the building, while others cleaned the compound and painted bins and other materials to beautify the area.

Executive Director of EPA, Dr Vincent Adams explained, “This here is a major milestone for us of course, the 23 years of anniversary, which is today, so it’s a nice kind of coincidence that we have both celebrations on the same day”.

In terms of environmental protection, he said most people are concerned about oil and gas, however, mining still plays a crucial part when it comes to the environment. Against this backdrop, the Director said he was glad that Guyana has countries to look at as examples, and hopefully not make the same mistakes.

The planting of trees, he said, plays an important role

in ensuring proper air quality. “Trees absorb, through their leaves, toxins from the environment and they give off oxygen and oxygen is really important … it provides shade that cools the temperature that helps mitigate against global warming or climate change,” the EPA Executive Director reminded.

Dr Adams urged Guyanese to not take the environment for granted and to keep it clean since “if you don’t pay now, you will pay later”.

World Environment Day is the United Nations (UN) day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment.

Since it began in 1974, the event has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

charge

A

49-year-old, who claimed he is a spiritual healer and who allegedly had sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday to answer the indictable charge of rape.

Dion Liverpool was not required to plead when the charge was read to him by Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge alleged that on June 2, 2019, at Oval Retrieve, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), the 49-yearold sexually penetrated a woman without her consent. The matter was heard in-camera. In giving a brief synopsis, Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield said that

on the day in question, the accused along with another man went to the victim’s home to give her a “spiritual” bath. According to the prosecutor, the accused had a deck of cards in his hands and told the woman to choose one and place it in her vagina. He then took two beetles and showed them to her and told her something was going to happen to her.

He then forced himself on her. The other man that was with the accused then proceeded to have sex with the woman also. The matter was then reported to the police station and the accused was arrested. The prosecutor, however, did not indicate whether the second person will also be charged for the offence. Liverpool was remanded to prison and the case will continue on June 26, 2019.

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friday, JUNE 21, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 killed, 1 critical in Berbice fiery crash

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teenager is now battling for his life, while his body remains covered in burns and two of his close friends have been burnt beyond recognition, after the car in which they were travelling veered off the road and crashed into a coconut tree before bursting into flames on the Fort Wellington public road.

Dead are 22-year-old Dhaniram Dunraj, a former rice farmer of Plantation Chester, West Coast Berbice, and his friend Kevin AtherlyWard, 23, of Britannia WCB. Their friend, 17-year-old Parmanand Arjune, received burns about his body, among other injuries.

According to reports, Dunraj was driving motor car PVV 7782 at a fast rate while proceeding west along the southern carriageway of

the Fort Wellington Public Road before losing control of the vehicle. He attempted to regain control, but the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a coconut tree, then immediately burst into flames.

This accident occurred at some time around 21:00h on Wednesday.

Arjune was saved from the inferno only because he

The destroyed car

was flung from the vehicle as it was coming to a stop.

It is reported that the group of friends were returning home from Bath Settlement after a few games of pools when the accident occurred. The car had belonged to Dunraj’s sister.

The surviving teen’s father, Ramdass Arjune, said he was summoned to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he met his injured son.

“He told me that like the guy couldn’t control the car, and when they running in to lash the tree, he pelt out and the car catch fire right away.

He was outside of the car, and with the tree he start catching (afire) too,” he related.

“So all his clothes burn up, and somebody tell him to move away from the car, because with the heat, they can’t go so close. So he drag till he reach near the trench, and they stretch and pull

him and then take him to the hospital,” the elder Arjune revealed.

He said his injured son received burns to his face, stomach, back and both hands.

Meanwhile, Dunraj’s father expressed disbelief that his son is gone.

“When I went to the scene, I see the car base on the coconut tree already burnt, and when I look inside, I see my son and another boy burn to death,” he said in tears.

The grieving father noted that he was forced to take a seat on the ground to console himself. He added that his son was in a crouched position to the front passenger’s side of the car, while AtherlyWard was also crouched behind where the burnt back seat was.

Atherly-Ward and Arjune were reportedly employees of the now dead driver, since they would cultivate rice for him.

According to Bibi Rosheeda, her son, AtherlyWard, had been a kind and loving person who was always willing. She said the family received the gut-wrenching call at some time around 23:00h.

The Police are investigating the incident, and a post mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the duo. (Andrew Carmichael)

ICT in public sector to get boost with US$1.5M Centre of Excellence

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state of the art Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre of Excellence was commissioned on Thursday and will serve as the principal institution to offer high-quality, specialised ICT training to public servants.

The US$1.5 million facility, which is located on the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen campus, houses two laboratories as well as a classroom and is an initiative between the Guyanese and Indian Governments.

The establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) allowed Guyana to lean on India – a leading ICT innovator, in its quest to improve public service delivery. The project was conceptualised during a visit to India by former President Donald Ramotar.

According to outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, this initiative is part of his country’s drive to boost the ICT sector within friendly bilateral states.

He noted that this Centre of Excellence is the second one that India has aided in implementing in the Caribbean

region.

In addition to the equipment for the labs and classroom, India provided three specialists to conduct training, as well as over 1000 manual books.

Meanwhile, President David Granger expressed gratitude to the Indian Government and, in particular, High Commissioner Mahalingam – whose five year tour in Guyana has ended, for his efforts to not only strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, but to also push Guyana’s development through projects such as the establishment of CEIT. According to President Granger, this is another milestone added to the legacy that Mahalingam will be leaving behind. He noted that the facility will see Guyana becoming more agile in the ICT sector.

However, the Head of State is cognizant that the country is lagging in the ICT sector within the Caribbean region. In fact, he outlined that in terms of connectivity, Guyana is ranked 117 out of 193 countries, with only 36 per cent of citizens using the Internet.

To this end, President

Granger underscored the importance of having a technologically-literate and digitally-skilled society, which, he added, is central to the development of a ‘digital state’ that will see the hinterland regions also benefitting from internet connectivity.

According to the President, ICT is a functional and practical response to the challenge of the digital deficit in Guyana and the establishment of the Centre is a step in the right direction which will see a number of persons trained in the sector.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, Public Telecommunications

Minister, Cathy Hughes, posited that the world is rapidly changing and technology is replacing all traditions. Against this backdrop, the Minister noted that the public servants who will receive ICT advanced training at CEIT will be expected to keep Government’s online presence user-friendly and up to date.

A 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the two countries, saw the Indian Government contributing US$1 million into the project, including the provision of hardware for the labs and classroom.

The first batch of training commenced in April.

Emerge BPO admits to dismissing hundreds of employees

G

Emerge BPO building on Camp Street, Georgetown

uyanese Business P r o c e s s i n g Outsourcing (BPO) company Emerge BPO on Thursday admitted that it was indeed reducing its staff in Guyana.

Guyana Times first reported on Thursday that hundreds of employees would soon be without jobs as the company on Tuesday served employees with termination letters stating that it was downsizing its operations in Guyana.

According to one of the letters seen by this publication, the company stated that one of its largest clients recently pulled its contract which would see the company losing millions. As such, Emerge stated that it would be unable to pay employees and planned to downsize its operations in July.

In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, Emerge BPO said it would maintain its operation in Guyana but would be downsizing.

“Business decisions such as these that directly impact the lives of employees are extraordinarily difficult; as such, the company has already consulted with the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour and remains compliant throughout the process,” the statement said.

According to the compa-

ny, it is working overtime to ensure that the transition of the affected staff is smooth, and it is committed to providing full separation remunerations, and other benefits for those staff.

“The company shall continue to do all in its power to minimise these jobs displacements,” it added.

Emerge BPO, Middle Street, Georgetown, is a nearshore leader in customer management, back office and transaction processing services that opened in Guyana in July of 2008.

Just recently, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emerge, Heidi SolomonOrlick and the company’s Vice President of Operations, Dalgleish Joseph, announced an expansion with investment in a new campus located at Camp Street, Georgetown.

Expected to be completed at the end of 2019, the expansion was targeting some 1500 to 2000 employees with 3000 more to be added within the next five to 10 years.

After revealing that Guyana is 30 to 35 per cent cheaper than any other nearshore destination for outsourcing, SolomonOrlick had said that Emerge was in talks with several prospective clients about business.

Autopsy of security guard rules out murder

A

post-mortem examination conducted on Keegan Boston, a security guard who was stationed at Cummings Electrical Company Limited, found that he died from a blunt trauma which is consistent with a fall.

The 60-year-old resident of Lot 520 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was discovered in the guard gut with a wound to the back of his head on Sunday.

Reports are that the man was last seen alive at about 23:00h on Saturday while executing his duties at the company in Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

However, Boston was found dead in the hut at about 06:15h on Sunday by an electrician attached to the company in the presence of another security

guard who was supposed to relieve Boston of his duties.

According to the security guard, he realised something was amiss after continuously calling for Boston to open the gate and not getting a response. After several minutes, the electrician decided to scale the fence and made the gruesome discovery.

An alarm was raised and the police were summoned to the scene. The body was taken to Lyken Funeral Home where it awaited a post-mortem.

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves noted that while there were reports which suggested that the security cameras were not functioning at the time of Boston’s demise, the police still have to pursue every angle possible in determining if the man was murdered and the motive behind it.

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friday, JUNE 21, 2019

Extensive stereotyping training Welder charged for attempting to kill stepfather offered to ERC staffers A welder who allegedly stabbed his stepfather during an argument was remanded to prison on Thursday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Joel Persaud of Lot 16 Public Road, Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, stood before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge stated that on June 16, 2019, at Little Diamond Public Road, with intent to commit murder, he wounded George Jones.

The prosecution is contending that on June 16, Persaud asked his mother for some food and she refused, causing him to become annoyed.

According to the prosecution’s case, the man became abusive towards his mother, which led his stepfather, who was at home at the time, to intervene. During an argument, Persaud alleged-

Joel Persaud

ly dealt Jones several stabs. Jones was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted and remains a patient.

In court on Thursday,

Persaud proceeded to tell the court that on the day in question, he was eating when he got chopped to his back with a cutlass by his stepfather. He stated that he began to run to his neighbour’s residence when he fell down. The man stated that the police were summoned and they took him to the hospital.

He furthered claimed that he did not sign any statement.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield said that the Virtual Complainant is in a serious condition and, therefore, he should not be released on bail. The prosecutor noted that three witnesses, who reside at the same address as Persaud, have given statements against the accused.

After listening to the Prosecutor’s submission, Magistrate McLennan remanded the man to prison.

The case will continue on July 8, 2019.

E

Commissioners and employees of the ERC during the training exercise

mployees of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) benefitted from a twoday training exercise to better understand societal

MARAD hosts 24th meeting of the Caribbean Port State Control Committee

A section of the gathering at the launching of the 24th Annual Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) Port State Control Committee Meeting

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uyana’s Maritime Administration D e p a r t m e n t (MARAD) on Thursday evening kicked off the 24th Annual Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) Port State Control Committee Meeting, which will run for a three-day period.

The CMOU will see the Caricom member states along with Aruba, Bermuda, Cuba, Curacao, the Netherlands, France, as well as representatives from intra-governmental organisations such as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the IMO and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and a few commercial shipping interests discussing measures that can be taken

to improve the working and living conditions of seafarers in the Caribbean.

The meeting is geared at addressing issues related to the inspection of ships, to verify the requirements of international contention and that they are manned and operated in accordance with these rules.

It also aims to eliminate substandard vessels in order to ensure safety at sea and cleaner oceans.

A representative of the Public Infrastructure Ministry highlighted the urgency in which Guyana is working with its fellow member states to protect its waterways as the country is presently gearing for the booming oil and gas sector.

“I believe that this meeting is truly significant since it is taking place

at a time when our nation is focusing on the development of the oil and gas sector which predictably will change its social economic landscape.

Given the reality that the exploration of petroleum is taking place in Guyana exclusive economic zone, it is obvious that there would be an intensification of shipping activities in the country as well as in our international and internal waters, this new development, of course, will see new challenges relative to shipping and shippingrelated activities” the Ministry’s representative noted.

He revealed that the Government of Guyana is also looking to improve the maritime legislative framework so that Guyana

could be better prepared to develop the oil and gas industry.

In order to further the aims of the CMOU, MARAD’s representative in his remarks noted that the department must continue to consult and cooperate with the other authorities.

“We must continue to consult, cooperate and exchange information with the other authorities in order to further the aims of the memorandum. It is very heartened to see that this organisation has grown to when it was eighteen but has now become twenty with more states to be added. This increase in membership will provide continuous promotion of the values and objectives of the CMOU to member states, thereby encouraging them to be involved and encouraging new members to join the organisation” the MARAD representative posited.

Guyana is a founding member of the CMOU for Port State Control in the Caribbean Region. It was established on February 9, 1996, in Barbados.

Other founding members include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, the Netherland Antilles, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the second year that Guyana is hosting the meeting, the first time being in 2002.

issues which are present in communities, one of which was stereotyping.

In collaboration with the Department of Social Cohesion, Commissioners and other staff members gathered at the Racquet Centre, where they were addressed by facilitators to equip themselves with skills to address these plaguing circumstances.

Chairman of the ERC, Reverend John Smith related that this was a much-needed activity ever since the establishment of the Commission.

“It is something that was long overdue. When we were sworn in as Commissioners, we came with a 24-point mandate from the Constitution. I think we needed some orientation as to what is expected of us and we have been working.

But now with this training, it has opened our eyes to some things that we needed to know and we hopefully should have known before,” Smith asserted.

As customary, persons are usually dispatched to work environments to discuss peace and lessen the probability of conflicts.

However, stereotyping has never been on the agenda as a topic to be addressed.

Going forward, they will be implementing talks on such issues in future visits.

The Department will also be involved to provide additional support.

The Chairman stated, “We go to workplaces and would have been able to serve them better if we had this information to warn them and to help them deal with stereotypes because we have a lot of assumptions about people. We are going forward together with the Department of Social Cohesion as we enter with stakeholders. I am really happy because there are difference and what we see

is all the difference, not the things that we have in common”.

The participants were tasked with creating ways to unify persons, regardless of their differences. Many of them chose events such as Harmony Village to engage youths in cultural activities to achieve these results.

The ERC was conceptualised after protests following the 1997 General Election. As part of the Herdmanston Accord brokered by Caricom and signed on January 17, 1998, the ERC was established as a constitutional body by Constitutional Amendment Act of 2000, which was assented to by the then President on August 11, 2000.

It has four broad functions: “Investigative, conflict resolution, education and public awareness, and research and development strategies”.

Among its functions, as outlined in Article 212 (D) of the Constitution, are to provide for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons and to promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace.

Additionally, it can investigate complaints of racial discrimination and make recommendations on the measures to be taken if such complaints are valid, and where there is justification, therefore, refer matters to the Human Rights Commission or other relevant authorities for further action to be taken.

Meanwhile, the ERC is also mandated to promote equal access to persons of all ethnic groups to all public or other services and facilities provided by the Government or other bodies.

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friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

Regional

Honduran President sends military to keep order after protests turn violent

A masked demonstrator looks on as he prepares to throw a stone towards military Police during a protest against the Government of President Juan Orlando Hernandez, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 20, 2019

H

onduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez on Thursday sent out the armed forces to impose order after protests against his embattled administration descended into lawlessness overnight in parts of the capital, claiming two lives.

Speaking at the presidential palace after meeting senior security officials, Hernandez said he

had ordered the military to keep roads open as well as to protect private property and the public in the troubled Central American country.

“So the armed forces, the national police and the other defence and security forces are being deployed nationwide and will remain so,” said Hernandez, a conservative ally of the United States.

Earlier in the day, the

President said he had reached a deal with truck operators, whose strikes in pursuit of higher rates for moving freight had sparked fuel shortages.

However, demonstrations against Hernandez persisted.

There was widespread unrest on Wednesday evening in Tegucigalpa, including looting, after members of a Honduran riot Police Force tasked with keeping order withdrew to their quarters to pressure the Government for improved benefits.

Protests against Hernandez have been building in recent weeks over planned reforms that his critics argue will lead to privatisation of public health and education services.

The unrest has piled more pressure on Hernandez, whose government has been increasingly unpopular since he changed rules to allow him to run for a second term in 2017. Though he won the election, it was widely criticized by international observers and opponents who say he stole the victory.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombian armed groups recruiting desperate Venezuelans, army says

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enezuela’s crisis is spilling across the border into Colombia as Marxist rebels and rightwing paramilitaries recruit migrants to strengthen their ranks, according to five Colombian military commanders.

Violence still simmers in Colombia despite a 2016 peace deal with leftist FARC rebels, meant to end five decades of conflict. Dissident FARC fighters, the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN), right-wing paramilitaries and drug-trafficking gangs are battling each other and the military.

Keen for recruits, these armed groups are targeting Venezuelans as they traverse the porous 2219-km (1380-mile)frontier at illegal border crossings, according to the military officials, human rights officials and mi-

grants themselves.

Five military commanders told Reuters that as many as 30 per cent of insurgents in Colombia’s eastern border region are Venezuelans, willing to take up arms in return for food and pay.

“Recruitment of Venezuelans is happening,” said Colonel Arnulfo Traslavina, military commander of a special unit battling armed groups in Colombia’s eastern border state of Arauca. “The ranks of illegal armed groups are increasing. It’s a major threat to Colombia.”

Nationwide, an estimated 10 per cent of fighters are Venezuelan, the commanders said. Their estimates were based on information from informants, deserters, captured rebels, and residents.

Reuters was not able to

independently verify these figures.

The head of Colombia’s military and Government spokesman on this issue, General Luis Fernando Navarro told Reuters that armed groups were targeting Venezuelans because they were easier to recruit than Colombians.

At the last official count by military intelligence in May, there were 2296 FARC dissident combatants and 2402 fighters from the ELN in Colombia.

Meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó is under scrutiny with some of his envoys on the Colombian border facing corruption allegations.

They are accused of stealing funds meant to help military defectors living in Colombia. (Excerpt from Reuters and Al Jazeera)

Hotel school offers training for Venezuelan migrants

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enezuelan nationals, hoping to get jobs at hotels and restaurants across the country, will be offered training at the T&T Hospitality & Tourism Institute, better known as the hotel school.

Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurant and Tourism

Association, Brian Frontin said, “We already have had discussions with our international partners on the training products in Spanish, so we know what products we looking at targeting. One of them will be guest service, and of course, we have specialist training in housekeeping, any of

those culinary and restaurant service type service standards. So we have the products, we already exploring them in Spanish, He added: “The next question is there enough interest by the hotels and restaurants to do that direct hiring at this time.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Hundreds in western Jamaica get free hearing aids

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ore than 600 citizens from western Jamaica have been given the gift of hearing through the efforts of the United States-based Starkey Hearing Foundation.

The residents, who hail from Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny, St James and St Ann, were fitted with free custom-made hearing aids during a special mission by the charity at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from May 30 to June 4.

The six-day visit was made possible through partnership with the Juliet A Holness Foundation under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the entities in 2018.

“We are a foundation who partners and gives away hearing aids free of cost to patients,” Country Coordinator for Starkey Hearing Foundation, Tamiann Young said.

She said that the programme of support entails three segments, with pa-

Founder of the Juliet A Holness Foundation, Juliet Holness (seated right), consoles Josion Higgins (centre), prior to an ear examination during a charity mission by Starkey Hearing Foundation at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St James, from May 30 to June 4. Seated left is Josion’s mother, Alyxo Mitchell

tients identified and evaluated in phase one; and phase two, involving taking the impressions for the hearing aids and returning to the island to fit people with the devices.

Under phase three, patients benefit from monthly aftercare, where they receive batteries and support for the devices at no cost to them.

“A person doesn’t only get fitted with a hearing aid, they also get the support that they need with troubleshooting. They get counselled, and it’s a lifelong relationship with the Foundation and our patients,” Young shared, adding that the beneficiaries have been receptive of the Foundation’s efforts. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T: Cops search hospital for man who shot Pandit S outhern Division Police swamped the San Fernando General Hospital after receiving a report that the man who shot Pandit Anil Jaimungal on Tuesday, was on the compound to “finish the job”.

Police searched the hospital’s compound on Tuesday evening, but did not find the shooter.

Investigators said they received information about an alleged plot to kill Jaimungal on his hospital bed.

Jaimungal, 37, who lives at Oilfield Road, Santa Flora, is under Police guard at the hospital in critical condition.

A man, whom Police believe was pretending to be a client, shot him five times in front of his home.

Residents said people from different areas visit Jaimungal seeking religious advice and other spiritual-related services.

A report said Jaimungal was at home speaking with his mother when he got a phone call about 11:45h on Tuesday. Police said Jaimungal’s mother heard him giving directions to their home. A few minutes later, a Nissan B14 pulled up in front of the house and Jaimungal walked outside to meet a man who came out

of the car.

The man shot the Pandit, who fell to the ground.

The shooter stood over Jaimungal and continued shooting before running out of the yard and back into the car, driving away.

Residents heard Jaimungal’s mother’s screams and contacted South Western Division Police.

Police believed Jaimungal’s last call was linked to the shooting, but the phone has not been recovered.

The unconscious Jaimungal was taken to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

C’bean American legislator critical of Trump’s plan to deport illegal immigrants

C

aribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke has strongly criticised United States President Donald T Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants.

“We have a Bigot-inChief who is overstepping his authority in his role as President, pushing to deport immigrants from America,” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“It’s clear that he has one objective: to whitewash America. But that’s not who America is; we are a na-

Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke

tion built by immigrants. I will continue to push back on Trump as he tries to instil fear in and bully our immigrant neighbours, friends

and family.”

Clarke, the representative for the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, said as a second-generation Jamaican American, “I know how immigrants contribute to our local and national economies by working jobs that pay taxes while also adding to the cultural fabric of our communities, making America the country we know and love today”.

But a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ABC TV News that the deportations described

by Trump are not imminent.

(Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

17

Around the World

Trump says Iran “made very big Tory leadership: Boris Johnson mistake” after downing of US drone and Jeremy Hunt through

In this October 24, 2018, photo released by the US Air Force, members of the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron prepare to launch an RQ-4 Global Hawk at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy

U

S President Donald Trump has warned Iran it “made a very big mistake” in shooting down a US military drone, as Tehran condemned Washington’s “new aggression” and pledged to defend its skies, land and waters.

The war of words on Thursday came after Washington said one of its drones had been downed in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz by an

by Trump’s decision to withdraw from an international accord that curbed Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The downing of the drone was also the latest in an escalating series of incidents in the Gulf since midMay, including suspected attacks on six oil tankers that the US blamed on Iran.

Tehran denied involvement, but Washington has boosted its military presence in the Gulf, citing unspecified threats from Iran.

All of this has raised fears that a miscalculation or a further rise in frictions could push the US and Iran into an open conflict.

Asked if the US would respond, Trump told reporters, “You’ll soon find out”. But he also appeared to downplay the incident, saying it could have been a mistake by someone who was “loose and stupid”. (Excerpt

Iranian surface-to-air missile.

But Tehran disputed where the incident took place, saying the RQ-4 Global Hawk had violated Iranian airspace over the southern coastal province of Hormozgan.

The incident marked the first direct Iranianclaimed attack on US assets and came amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, triggered

from Al Jazeera)

cludes the head of China’s state economic planner, will be in North Korea for two days, the first Chinese leader to visit in 14 years, and could bring fresh support measures for its floundering, sanctions-bound economy.

Since a failed summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim in Hanoi earlier this year, Pyongyang has resumed some weapons tests and warned of “truly undesired consequences” if the United States is not more flexible.

China is willing to provide what help it can to resolve North Korea’s reasonable security and de-

velopment concerns, Xi said.

Kim told Xi that in the last year or so North Korea had taken many positive steps to avoid tensions.

China is the North’s only major ally and the visit comes amid renewed tension on the Korean peninsula as the United States seeks to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons, which it pursued for years in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

The trip is also an assertion of a key leverage point that China has in its deteriorating relationship with the United States, diplomats say. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China’s Xi says world hopes North Korea-US talks can succeed

T

he world hopes North Korea and the United States can talk to each other and for those talks to be successful, Chinese President Xi Jinping told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday, praising Pyongyang’s efforts toward denuclearisation.

Xi is visiting China’s reclusive neighbour North Korea, seeking to bolster a longtime ally hit by UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes, a week before Xi and US President Donald Trump meet amid a bitter trade dispute.

Xi, whose entourage in-

Sudan Prosecutor General sacked as new protests held

S

Hemeti addresses his supporters during a meeting in Khartoum

udan’s Transitional Military Council (TMC) has sacked the country’s prosecutor general, days after charges of corruption were brought against overthrown President Omar alBashir as new protests got under way.

The official SUNA news agency reported on Thursday that Abdullah Ahmed would replace Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed as prosecutor general, but did not give any reason for the sacking.

Abdullah had recent-

ly been appointed prosecutor for Khartoum, a role in which he was overseeing an investigation into the June 3 bloody raid on a protest camp in the capital that killed scores of pro-democracy demonstrators.

Al-Bashir, on Sunday, appeared in front of another prosecutor to face charges of corruption and illegal possession of foreign currency.

Thursday’s announcement comes weeks after protesters were violently dispersed on June 3 by men in military uniforms who,

according to witnesses, shot and beat demonstrators who had taken part in the weeks-long sit-in outside the military headquarters.

The TMC has steadfastly denied it had ordered the dispersal but said it had ordered a purge of a nearby area notorious for “criminals” selling drugs.

The council has said that the purge of the area, known as Colombia, was carried out only after a meeting of legal and security chiefs, which was attended by Alwaleed.

Last week, he told reporters he had attended the meeting but had left by the time the purge operation was discussed, saying: “In our presence, the dispersal of the sit-in was not even remotely discussed.”

Protesters say the crackdown was carried out by members of Hemeti’s feared paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

J

eremy Hunt will face Boris Johnson in the race to be the next Tory leader and PM after Michael Gove was eliminated in the final ballot of the party’s MPs. Environment Secretary Gove was supported by 75 MPs - just two votes short of Hunt’s 77.

Johnson, who was backed by 160 Conservative MPs, said he was looking forward to “getting out across the UK” and to set out his Brexit plan.

He and Hunt will now be put to a vote of around 160,000 party members.

The winner will be announced in the week of July 22.

All 313 Conservative MPs voted - with one spoiled ballot recorded.

Johnson’s victory had been widely expected, but Gove and Foreign Secretary

Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson

Hunt have been engaged for several days in a close fight for second place. In the previous ballot, earlier on Thursday, Gove overtook his rival, only to see his lead reversed in the final MPs’ vote.

Following the result of the final ballot, Gove congratulated his rivals and said he was “naturally disappointed but so proud of the campaign we ran”.

Former Foreign Secretary Johnson said he was “deeply honoured” to have gained the backing of more than half of all Tory MPs. Meanwhile, Hunt acknowledged Johnson as the frontrunner to become party leader and Prime Minister, tweeting: “I’m the underdog but in politics surprises happen as they did today.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Modi to Khan: Trust key to boosting India-Pakistan relations

I

ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told his Pakistani counterpart that while India desires normalised relations with its western neighbour, this would require “an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility”.

Modi, a right-wing nationalist who was re-elected with an overwhelming majority last month, wrote a letter responding to a congratulatory message by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian

neighbours have been high since February when a military standoff saw them conduct air raids on each other’s territory and engage in an aerial dogfight that saw at least one Indian fighter jet shot down.

The Indian air raids, which hit near the northern Pakistani village of Jaba, were a key part of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election campaign as the Prime Minister vowed to continue to “punish” Pakistan.

India accuses Pakistan of supporting armed groups that target Indian security forces in the disputed territory of Kashmir and else-

where, saying that the country’s intelligence services have aided such groups.

Pakistan denies the charge and accuses India of fomenting unrest in its own southwestern Balochistan province.

The military skirmish followed a suicide attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir town of Pulwama, which killed more than 40 Indian security forces personnel. Both India and Pakistan claim the mountainous Kashmir territory in full but administer separate parts of it. They have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir. (Excerpt from

Al Jazeera)

Georgians protest outside Parliament over Russian delegation’s visit

T

ens of thousands of Georgians gathered outside the Parliament Building in the capital Tbilisi on Thursday to protest against a speech made in the country’s Parliament by a Russian lawmaker in his own language.

Protesters chanted slogans against Russian President Vladimir Putin and dozens broke through Police lines to try to storm the Parliament Building.

Sergei Gavrilov is the leader of a Russian delegation taking part in the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO), a body set up by the Greek Parliament in 1993 to foster relationships between Christian Orthodox lawmakers.

Thursday’s protest was triggered when Gavrilov, currently President of the IAO General Assembly, addressed delegates in Russian from the Georgian parliamentary speaker’s seat.

The two countries have not had diplomatic ties since

People hold a rally to protest against the visit of the Russian delegation near the Parliament Building in Tbilisi, Georgia June 20, 2019

Russia fought and won a brief war against Georgia in 2008 and then recognised the independence of two breakaway regions, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, where Russian troops are now garrisoned.

Georgia’s domestic politics are dominated by relations with its giant neighbour and Soviet-era overlord, with the opposition accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of being insufficiently

firm in confronting Moscow.

Opposition MPs demanded that the Parliamentary Speaker, Interior Minister and State Security Service Chief all resign over the incident.

The Russian delegation’s presence has angered many Georgians, and a boycott by opposition lawmakers who objected to it had already led to the cancellation of an IAO session at the Parliament.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, JUNE 21, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

SUDOKU

You may want to rethink some of your current connections. Consider who is an asset and who is a liability. It’s time to make a personal change. Romance is favored.

You can talk your way in or out of anything, but before you begin, you are best off considering the effect you will have on those around you.

Let your actions be your voice. How you handle situations will determine the way others perceive you.

Being charming and doing what you say you are going to do will encourage support.

Make it your business to find out what others are up against before you commit to getting involved or promise to take care of something.

If you compromise, you will find it much easier to get others to pitch in and help. Romance should be a priority. Make interesting plans, but don’t try to buy someone’s love.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Make a healthy dietary change. You may not be one to stray too far from the norm, but a detour will pay off. Don’t shy away from experiencing something new.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You are on to something, so don’t stop to ponder whether you should dig further. The experience will prepare you for future endeavors. Romance is encouraged.

SCORPIO

Don’t let emotional matters get to you. Take a step back and rethink your position and how you want to move forward. Do things your way and don’t look back.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t freely share personal information. Protect an essential relationship by being open about your feelings and intentions. If you are too aloof, you’ll send the wrong signal.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Change your direction if there are too many roadblocks. Success will be dependent on how you maneuver your way through situations that are continually changing. Assess and adjust.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

It won’t be easy for you to hide the way you feel, so don’t hold back. Say what’s on your mind and find out where you stand.

Romance should be a priority.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Avoid indulgent situations. Honesty will help you avoid being questioned or put in an awkward position.

Do your best to be helpful without meddling in someone else’s affairs.

FRIday, JUNE 21, 2019

19

Bangladesh’s highest ODI total not good enough for Australia point, probably the absence of intent to do so.

Mahmudullah, who had started out steady as well, scoring a run-a-ball fifty, shifted a gear higher in the 42nd over by slamming Adam Zampa for a couple of sixes, and earned 39 runs off the next 20, before getting out caught at deep mid wicket.

Mushfiqur, however, had brought up his half-century with a tuck down the legside for a boundary - in the 35th over. By the end of the over, the required rate was 11.6. He remained unbeaten till the end of the innings, but added only 50 in the next 42 balls: hitting only three fours in that period, and not being in sync with the rising required rate.

He did finish with an unbeaten century and was according a standing ovation by the dressing room, but there was little left for celebration but a personal milestone.

That Australia managed to post a big score at a venue, that in recent times has allowed for such run-making, was due to a strong performance by their top order - David Warner (166), Aaron Finch (53) and Usman Khawaja (89), followed

by Glenn Maxwell’s brief blitz (10-ball 32), after they elected to bat. Bangladesh’s bowling, on the other hand, fell short of skills to outwit Australia on a wicket that didn’t offer much to them even as it was slightly slow compared to the conven-

David Warner celebrates his century

O

n a day when Shakib Al Hasan failed to score a fifty - for the first time in the 2019 World Cup Bangladesh’s batting only managed to stretch the chase but at no point went ahead in the contest before eventually falling 48 runs short of Australia’s 381. This, despite some sloppy fielding by Australia. The eventual difference between the two sides may not tell the story that only five overs earlier Bangladesh were giving some nervy moments to Australia, with Mahmudullah smashing away some quick runs for a brief period, and that Mushfiqur Rahim’s 97-ball 102 eventually proved counter-productive as he couldn’t put the foot on the pedal despite spending ample time on a batting-friendly wicket.

With Soumya Sarkar departing early, courtesy a mix-up in running, Bangladesh relied on approaching the target in a steady manner. There were a couple of handy contributing hands to that in the top order: Tamim Iqbal (74-ball 62) and Shakib (41-ball 41) lending the base, followed by Mushfiqur who brought up his fifty in 55 balls. However, Bangladesh failed to go a gear higher. At the end of the 25th over, they were 146 for 3, 177 for 4 in 30, 208 for 4 in 35 and 245 for 4 in 40: all ranging around run-a-ball. A large reason for it was Mushfiqur’s inability to find boundaries, and after a

Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates his century

2 days remain before launch pad ignites

GMR&SC’s office executive Desiree Lee collecting the sponsorship from Choke Gas Station’s representative

T

he second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC’s) drag championships gets underway this Sunday at South Dakota’s Drag Strip at Timehri, EBD. And with just three days remaining before the highly anticipated event is staged, the club has secured backing from three companies: Choke Gas Station, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, and Motor

SCOREBOARD

Australia Innings (50 overs maximum) DA Warner c Rubel Hossain b Soumya Sarkar 166 AJ Finch (c) c Rubel Hossain b Soumya Sarkar 53 UT Khawaja c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Soumya Sarkar 89 GJ Maxwell run out (Rubel Hossain) 32 MP Stoinis not out 17 SPD Smith lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 1 AT Carey † not out 11 Extras (b1, lb5, nb1, w5) 12 TOTAL 381/5 (50 Overs, RR: 7.62) Did not bat: NM CoulterNile, PJ Cummins, MA Starc, A Zampa Fall of wickets: 1-121 (AJ Finch, 20.5 ov), 2-313 (DA Warner, 44.2 ov), 3-352 (GJ Maxwell, 46.2 ov), 4-353 (UT Khawaja, 46.5 ov), 5-354 (SPD Smith, 47.1 ov) BOWLING M Mortaza (8-0-56-0) M Rahman (9-0-69-1) S Al Hasan (6-0-50-0) R Hossain (9-0-83-0) M Miraz (10-0-59-0) S Sarkar (8-0-58-3) Bangladesh Innings (target:

GMR&SC Drag C/Ships round 2…

Trend Service Center.

In a release to the media, GM&SC expressed gratitude to all sponsors for the support given, and explained that staging a motor racing event is very costly, so every dollar earned is appreciated.

“These companies have been long supporters of motor sport in Guyana, with Choke Gas Station well known for the Choke Starlet Cup, the only Starlet championship in the entire region”.

Meanwhile, the correspondence further said, “B.M. Soat Auto Sales is known as one of the leading auto suppliers in Guyana, and Motor Trend Service Center, located in Area L, Foulis, East Coast Demerara, are no strangers to the sport.”

Additional documentation explained that, “The GMR&SC are constantly looking to upgrade the

3

South Dakota Circuit. This year, the club made a target of completing the Launch Pad and extending the strip to a full quarter mile; both of those objectives were reached, due to the generous contributions of sponsors, support by the fans and, very importantly, the competitors.”

President of the GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed, confirmed via correspondence to the media earlier in the month that Team Mohamed’s newly acquired white Nissan GT-R is set to finally make its competitive debut at the event, after missing out in March due to transmission issues.

Over 100 competitors are expected to register for the event, which will see the driver with the fastest reaction winning $20,000.

DEL Ice Co have sponsored cash prizes for the fastest 10-second ($200,000),

11-second ($150,000) and 12-second ($100,000) cars.

Admission stands at $500 for children and $1000 for adults, and action beginning at 10:00hrs.

Other sponsors of this event include Platinum Car Show; Ramchand’s Auto Body and Tow Truck Services; I Bet Supreme; R. Kissoon Contracting Services; Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals; Del Ice Co.; Mohamed’s Enterprise; B.M. SOAT Auto Sales; Prem’s Electrical; E-Networks; Motor Trend; Nexus Machine Shop; Power Line; Jumbo Jet Auto Sales; Windjammer Hotel; Cyril’s Taxi; A&R Jiwanram Printery; Blue Spring Water; Choke Gas Station; Special Auto; First Class Auto Spares and Sales; GT Tuners; West Coast Customs Wash Bay; Tropical Shipping; and Imran Auto Works.

382 runs from 50 overs) Tamim Iqbal b Starc 62 S Sarkar run out (Finch) 10 S Al Hasan c Warner b Stoinis 41 M Rahim † not out 102 L Das lbw b Zampa 20 Mahmudullah c Cummins b Coulter-Nile 69 S Rahman b Coulter-Nile 0 M Miraz c Warner b Starc 6 M Mortaza (c) c Maxwell b Stoinis 6 Extras (b4, lb4, w9) 17 TOTAL 333/8 (50 Overs, RR: 6.66) Yet to bat: Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Soumya Sarkar, 3.5 ov), 2-102 (Shakib Al Hasan, 18.1 ov), 3-144 (Tamim Iqbal, 24.1 ov), 4-175 (Liton Das, 29.2 ov), 5-302 (Mahmudullah, 45.3 ov), 6-302 (Sabbir Rahman, 45.4 ov), 7-323 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 48.2 ov), 8-333 (Mashrafe Mortaza, 49.6 ov) BOWLING MA Starc (10-0-55-2) PJ Cummins (10-1-65-0) GJ Maxwell (3-0-25-0) NM Coulter-Nile (10-0-58-2) MP Stoinis (8-0-54-2) A Zampa (9-0-68-1)

tional Trent Bridge surface.

An early reprieve to Warner (while batting on 10) when he upper cut a short delivery outside off to Sabbir Rahman at third man only helped matters. Fielding lapses in unfriendly conditions for bowlers was never going to be a luxury, but there were more lapses too. The only good part was that Australia returned favours when they came out to field.

Bangladesh did manage to pick four wickets in the last six overs, but it came all too late. Surprisingly, the move to use the extended part time seam up of Soumya Sarkar worked quite well as he dismisses all the three top-order batsmen.

However, they were always left chasing in the contest and now find themselves in a tricky position to make an entry into the top four. (cricbuzz)

Halle Open: Federer and Alexander Zverev reach quarter-finals

Roger Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles

R

oger Federer says he was “lucky” after surviving a scare against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the Halle Open quarter-finals.

Top seed Federer, 37, beat French world number 77 Tsonga 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-5.

The eight-time Wimbledon champion is bidding for a 10th Halle title.

World number five Alexander Zverev withdrew from the doubles due to a knee injury but beat American Steve Johnson 6-3 7-5 to reach the last eight of the singles.

Federer will play Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the next round at the grass-court tournament, while German 22-year-old Zverev will face Belgian David Goffin.

World number three Federer was a set and a break up against Tsonga, 34, before the Frenchman came back to take the match to a third set.

“I knew when I gave away that lead that it would be tight. Then it was about holding my nerve,” said the Swiss.

“The third set was more of a battle. I tried to stay calm.

It had a bit of everything: happiness, sadness, frustration.

It was a bit emotional at the end, which was nice.”

Zverev enjoyed a slightly more straightforward win, but admitted he is still having problems with his knee.

“Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago,” he said.

“I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better.” (BBC Sport)

20 Wounded Windies, unbeaten New Zealand set for big clash GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FRIday, JUNE 21, 2019

Trent Boult has had his career best ODI figures against West Indies

By Brandon Corlette

W

est Indies will play their sixth match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup on Saturday June 22, 2019 from 8:30h local time. Scheduled to be played at Old Trafford, this match will be the Caribbean team’s first day/night match in this World Cup. New Zealand are in second position on the points table with nine points from five unbeaten matches, while West Indies are in seventh position with three points from their five encounters.

Although the West Indies defeated New Zealand in the warm-up match prior to the opening of the World Cup, New Zealand have looked a complete team, ticking all their boxes as they completed four comfortable wins.

Prior to the warm-up match, West Indies and New Zealand last faced each other in an official ODI in 2017/18. The teams played each other in a three-match ODI series in New Zealand, and the hosts defeated the Caribbean team 3-0. Guyanese fast-bowler Ransford Beaton was a member of that West Indies touring party.

The West Indies men were outplayed in all depart-

ments in that series. Trent Boult grabbed his ODI career best of 7-34 in that series. That seemed a lifetime ago.

However, West Indies have shown their ability to beat New Zealand. In 2012, West Indies won their Home Series against the Black Caps 4-1; and, further, levelled the 2013/14 ODI series in New Zealand 2-2.

In the 2013/14 series, Darren Bravo scored a brilliant 106 to lead the batting charts. That was certainly a while ago, as Bravo is now a different batsman, struggling at the moment. With his decent record against New Zealand, he will be eying a comeback in form when tomorrow’s encounter bowls off, given he is selected in the starting XI. New Zealand are currently led by the calm and composed Kane Williamson, who is arguably their best player. In this 2019 World Cup, Williamson has 225 runs in three innings, while Martin Guptill has 133 runs and Ross Taylor scored 131 runs.

Colin Munro has 113 runs, being another batsman with over 100 runs for New Zealand in this tournament thus far.

Like Boult, who had his career best against the Jason Holder-led West Indies, Guptill has had his career best against the West Indies. Guptill smashed 237 against the West Indies in their last World Cup encounter in

Jason Holder will be seeking a win against New Zealand

Martin Guptill scored his ODI career best 237* against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup

2015.

Both of these teams are equipped with fast bowlers, but Lockie Ferguson is arguably the quickest among the lot. Ferguson has had 11 wickets this far, leading the way for the Black Caps, while his fellow quickie Matt Henry has had seven wickets.

Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis, who are known for enjoying pace, would be a threat if they click against New Zealand.

Oshane Thomas, who led the bowling charts for West Indies with seven wickets, has been inconsistent, while Andre Russell has been dealing with his injuries. West Indies have a lot to ponder upon seeking the right combination heading into this clash. Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer have played some good innings, along with Lewis and Gayle, but none has managed to score a century.

They will all be hungry for that triple figure, and, sooner or later, it will come.

The hope of winning the World Cup hangs on a thread for West Indies, as they will have to put in their best performance to win this match to move further into the semis. However, they will have to meet India on Thursday June 26, and their World Cup campaign will not get easier with these tough opponents in front of them.

INTERNATIONAL – WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2019

T

he United States continued their impressive start to their Women’s World Cup title defence as they beat rivals Sweden to top Group F. Both sides were already assured of their places in the last 16, but the USA added to their 13-0 and 3-0 wins over Thailand and Chile with another strong performance in Le Havre.

Unmarked midfielder Lindsey Horan poked in the opener from an early corner, before Tobin Heath’s strike deflected in off Chelsea defender Jonna Andersson as the USA added a controversial second after the break.

Jill Ellis’ side face Spain in the next round while Sweden meet Canada, with both of those matches to be played on Monday.

Andersson’s own goal came amid yet another debatable intervention involving VAR at this tournament, eventually being given despite USA substitute Carli Lloyd being in an offside position in the middle when the cross was played in.

Lloyd did not touch the ball, so was deemed not to have been interfering with play after a lengthy stoppage for the review, but her presence clearly affected Linda Sembrant’s attempt to hook the cross clear, which diverted the ball towards Heath.

ed a total of 18 goals in their previous two Group F games.

The South Americans had found it difficult in the first half to find a break through but had a lucky break three minutes after the interval when Yanara Aedo’s shot hit the post and went in off Boonsing.

Chile’s hopes of completing their mission grew 10 minutes before the end when Urrutia headed in. They now needed only one goal and were on the brink of a Sunday date with England when they were awarded a penalty.

Sadly for them their dreams were dashed when Urrutia’s firm effort came off the post.

Neds beat Canada to top Group

Substitute Lineth Beerensteyn scored a second-half winner as the Netherlands beat Canada 2-1 to take top spot in Group E of the Women’s World Cup. Anouk Dekker gave the Dutch the lead when she headed in before Christine Sinclair equalised to achieve the feat of scoring in five World Cups.

Beerensteyn’s closerange finish ensured the Dutch finished their group campaign with a 100% record.

They will now play Japan while Canada will face USA or Sweden.

Chile win but miss last 16

Chile missed out on a Women’s World Cup last-16 tie against England by the width of the woodwork in their dramatic 2-0 win over Thailand.

Needing a three-goal win to advance, Chile were 2-0 up when they were awarded a penalty after keeper Waraporn Boonsing fouled Maria Jose Urrutia.

However, Francisca Lara stepped up and struck her effort against the bar.

They took the lead when Boonsing inadvertently fired into her own net before Urrutia’s header made it 2-0.

At full time there were tears among the Chile players who made history with their first goals in the competition, but ultimately fell short against a side who had conced-

Tobin Heath celebrates the United States’ second goal in Thursday’s group-stage finale

Canada, semi-finalists in 2003, looked set to go 1-0 up in the second minute when referee Stephanie Frappart pointed to the spot after Janine Beckie appeared to have been fouled by Desiree van Lunteren in the area.

Sinclair stood with the ball on the spot but, after consulting with VAR, Frappart ruled the foul happened outside the area.

The intensity of the game increased after the European champions took the lead through Montpellier midfielder Dekker, who brilliantly got between two defenders to head in Sherida Spitse’s free-kick.

Canada were level soon after when Sinclair prodded in Jordyn Huitema’s cross at the far post. Huitema, 18, was not born when Sinclair made her international debut in 2000.

Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman decided to twist and brought on Beerensteyn in the 70th minute. Five minutes later, the FC Twente forward timed her run into the six-yard area to perfection to turn in Van Lunteren’s cross.

Cameroon to face England

Ajara Nchout scored two superb goals, including an injury-time winner, as Cameroon dramatically beat New Zealand 2-1 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, where they will face England.

Nchout turned inside Ria Percival in the 95th minute and superbly curled in the winner to put Cameroon through.

They were heading out after Aurelle Awona sliced a volley into her own net with 10 minutes remaining for 1-1.

Nchout had put her side ahead in the second half with a lovely, dinked goal.

Although Cameroon finished on three points, the same as Nigeria from Group A, they went through courtesy of having scored just a single goal more (3) than their African counterparts.

They will now face Phil Neville’s Lionesses in the first knockout round on Sunday (16:30 BST) in Valenciennes.

The Netherlands finished top of Group E with a 100% record after a 2-1 victory over Canada, who finish in second place. (BBC Sport)

FRIday, JUNE 21, 2019

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21 Saint Anne’s Primary crowned Region 4 windball champions guyanatimesgy.com

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Clanise Cobenna presenting the winners' trophy to Saint Anne’s captain Brandon Narine

T

he National Gymnasium was once again home to Wind ball action as the 22nd annual End of School Year "Edward Cobenna Memorial" Region 4, Primary Schools, Champion’s trophy was hosted. When the dust settled Saint Anne’s Primary were the victors of the tournament which was organized by the National Sports commission (NSC), in collaboration with AL Sport & Tour

Promotions and witnessed by over 200 students, parents and supporters.

The highly anticipated Region 4 (Demerara Mahaica) final saw East Bank Champions Saint Anne’s Primary coming up against East Coast Champs Clonbrook.

Batting first, Clonbrook posted only 88 runs with the loss of one wicket. Tyrone Marcs was the best batsman for the Clonbrook team,

Emmanuel

Bank Final. There Supply posted 72 without loss, with contributions from Kenette Salvador 42 (six 6s) and Kelvin Daniels 28.

However, Saint Anne’s made light work of the total reaching 95 without losing a wicket. Emmanuel Lewis was once again the top batsman with 56 (six 6s) and Brandon Narine pitched in with 28 runs.

Paiwomak Warriors, Guyana Rush Saints are champions

A

ction in the Rupununi Football Association’s (RFA’s) Champions League culminated with Paiwomak Warriors and Guyana Rush Saints being crowned the new female and male champions respectively.

For the females, in the third place playoff, Strikers FC defeated Guyana Rush Saints FC 1 – 0; while for the males, Kanuku Harpies and Titans FC romped to an entertaining 2 – 2, draw before the match ended 3 – 0 on penalty kicks in favour of Titans.

After two exhilarating third place playoffs, the highly anticipated female finale kicked off between Paiwomak Warriors and Flash FC. It was an exciting

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Most promising player Lewis receives his trophy

RFA Champions League 2019...

VACANCY

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hitting 28 runs inclusive of four 6s. Prince Lewis and Kevon Aiggle both contributed 18 to Clonbrook’s score.

The chase saw Saint Anne’s opening pair of Emmanuel Lewis and Brandon Narine cruising to 92 for the win. The eventual player of the tournament Emmanuel Lewis top scored with 76, inclusive of ten 6s.

The third place playoff which was contested between Supply Primary and Mahaica Primary, saw the former emerging victorious.

Coming to the crease first Supply posted a mammoth 121 without the loss of a wicket. Kenette Salvador (57) and Christopher Gorriah (55) were responsible for the large total.

In the chase, Mahaica struggled to reach even half of their target, as the allotted overs expired with the team only making 39-3. Lawrence Frank and Azara Franklin contributed 10 runs each.

Saint Anne’s had made their way into the regional final after defeating Supply in the East

The victorious Paiwomak Warriors

YOUR

match, with saw both teams tied at 1- 1 when the regulation time whistle sounded. Extra time had Paiwomak Warriors going ahead in the first half with a successful goal, but the Flash FC equalised in the second half to push the game into a penalty shootout.

Paiwomak Warriors then won the intense showdown 3 – 2.

In the male finale, Guyana Rush Saints dominated an outof-form Paiwomak Warriors, and won 3 - 1. The Warriors were unable to utilise their advantage although nerves got the better of either team, causing them to falter in the field.

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Having a total of 25 teams and counting signalling their interest in competing in the third annual Transcend Entertainment’s Seven-a-Side Independence Cricket Festival has filled event promoter Dwight Dodson with optimism for a successful event.

The event is scheduled to be held on June 30 and July 1st at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac in Georgetown, with action commencing at 20:00 hrs on both days.

In an invited comment, Dodson said, “In terms of the event running off after inclement weather, to be honest, I’m very enthusiastic about the tournament. we have 5 additional teams registered, totalling 25. We are quite happy, to say the least, due to the fact that is has been highly anticipated and the efforts that has

been put in also.

“We are most grateful to our sponsors. It is important that we mention that, because without them it wouldn’t be possible. In addition, Superbet Guyana has provided us with lots of giveaways for patrons.”

Some of the teams that are expected to participate are: Team Corruption, Village Rams, Tallawahs United, Tarmac, Eccles All Stars, Outlaws, and Hangover. Many other teams are, however, expected to participate.

Dodson, told Guyana Times Sport that the initiative behind holding the tournament is to provide opportunity for players to continue their cricket, even with the current weather pattern.

There have thus far been three new sponsors on board, namely: Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service, and Sankar’s Auto

Dodson: posing with 2018 champs, Team Corruption

Works.

This event, which has gained the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), is so far sponsored by Superbet, Banks DIH, Ramps Logistics Ltd, Imperial Trading, Red Carpet Wash Bay, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Star Party Rentals, Xavier’s Investment, Movement

Auto Sales, Precision Auto Works, W&J Enterprise, FungA-Fat Hatchery, Ole’s Jewellery, Seeta’s Bar, Regent Household Electronics, Royal Real Estate, Church’s Chicken, Fireside Grill, Magic City, S&D Enterprises, Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service, and Sankar’s Auto Works.

22

FRIday, JUNE 21, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Almost there: National Sports Policy soon to be completed

By Jemima Holmes

O

ne year ago on June 19, 2018, athletes whether amateur or elite breathed a sigh of relief, as a draft of the long awaited National Sports Policy was released. The draft which is said to cater to all athletes across Guyana 10 Administrative Regions, outlined the procedure that will be undertaken for all aspects of Sport including, National, Regional and Internationally applicable laws, collaboration among national agencies on sport programmes and projects, sport governance, administration, management, organisation, education and educational institutions, medicine, financing (funding, sponsorship, incentives), tourism, manufacturing, intellectual property rights, elite athlete development, the media, overseas offices, Diaspora support, and anti-doping.

However, since that date, athletes have been made to hold their breaths once again with no word on the Policy other than ongoing consultations and corrections. The National Sports Policy (NSP) was first promised by the APNU/AFC Government in their manifesto back in 2015. More than a year later in November of 2016 the draft began and it was until last year that the policy draft was released. What athletes did not expect was that fact that it would have taken in excess of a year for the draft to be perfected and presented to the Cabinet and furthermore, Parliament.

In that time, local athletes have continued to make their voices heard, appealing for a better climate in Guyana’s Sport arena. As the policy promises, Sport is expected to evolve in the ‘Land of Many Waters’, but one question remains, how long will it take.

Speaking exclusively with the Guyana Times Sport on the issue, Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton revealed that the end of consultations might be near but there are still a few more hurdles to cross before Guyanese athletes can perform to the best of their abilities with the assurance that they will be treated well.

“Apart from some restricting, like typos and so on, we should be nearly at the stage of presenting it to Cabinet and then we’ll take it to parliament,” Dr. Norton initially told this publication.

Collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) were both mentioned

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton

in the Sport policy, as such it is expected that the input of those organizations would be valuable to the NSP. “Guided by the UNESCO 1978 International Charter of Physical Education and Sport, it is noted that physical education and sport should seek to promote closer communion between peoples and between individuals, together with disinterested emulation, solidarity and fraternity, and full respect for the integrity and dignity of human beings,” The Policy stipulates.

On that note, Minister Norton revealed that the NSP before its presentation to cabinet will be awaiting consultation and input from UNESCO. “We are expecting UNESCO, who has a lot to do with sport, a consultant of theirs to visit the country and before we go ahead, we’re just waiting for them to have a look and have their input and then that will be through,” Norton stated.

After a year of being open to the public, Dr. Norton revealed that there has been minimal changes highlighted for the policy.

“There has been some additions with regards to games included in the policy, which might not be Olympic and vice versa. So yes there are some changes there but nothing too substantial,” he explained.

One area that has been a major concern of sporting associations and federations is the rewards that athletes are worthy of when they excel on the regional or international stage.

The greatest example of this was Boxing Coach Terence Poole who voiced his concerns after his boxers returned from the 2018 South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia with bronze medals.

“Why are we just waiting on a policy to draft? Let the athletes get tangible things; they must want to go on further. Not just congratulations, we’re fed up with that now; we passed that stage,” Poole declared on that occasion.

While the Minister has addressed such claims from various associations, especially over the past year, it is still an area of concern for Dr. Norton.

“I cannot help seeing one headline which is ‘we don’t want commendation, we want assets’. This policy is going to address compensation for athletes’ achievements and it’s going to do so in a structured manner. In a way that is in keeping with other countries outside of the region as well as within,” he explained.

Furthermore, the Minister explained to this publication that the compensations or rewards will be distributed according to the level of the achievement. For example, athletes copping a gold medal will receive higher accolades than those receiving bronze of silver. This rank will also apply to the level of the competition, with athletes competing at World Championships or the Olympics receiving higher accolades.

“Those are areas that we definitely have to work on because we have situations where persons (associations and organizations) come back from a particular event saying well ‘we’re the champions’ and because of that such and such compensations owed because others have had it. We want to clear that up,” he said.

“Where Sports in Guyana is no longer viewed only as a casual pass time, leisure or recreational activity, but as an entire sector which services the fundamental needs and requirements of the Guyanese athlete, from the amateur to the elite. The enhancement of existing sports management structures would be critical in this phase of engagement,” Those are the words scribed in the Summary of the National Sports Policy which promises to make a complete flip in Guyana’s sport arena. While the promise of the Sport Policy is tangible, one can only wonder how long more.

Paul, Rutherford selected for GlobalT20 Canada ― Matthew Nandu, Gordon, Heyliger among Guyanese drafted

Keemo Paul

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyanese duo, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford, were selected for the 2019 Global T20 (GT20) Canada that will commence from July 25 to August 11. On the player’s draft that commenced yesterday Thursday June 20, 2019, Rutherford was picked up in the sixth round by the Edmonton Royals while Paul was snapped up by Montreal Tigers in the eighth round.

Meanwhile, Guyana Under-17 selectee, Matthew Nandu, the son of former Guyana leg-spinner, Arjune Nandu has been selected in round 19 of the draft by defending champions, Vancouver Knights. The Guyanese Nationals, Jeremy Gordon and Dillon Heyliger who are now playing their cricket in Canada, were selected for Toronto Nationals and Montreal Tigers respectively.

In Rutherford’s team, his team mates are Kane Williamson, Faf Du Plessis, James Neesham Ben Cutting and his Guyana Amazon Warriors team mate, Shadab Khan. Paul’s team ates are Sunil Narine, George Bailey and Thisara Perera among others. Although the price tags were not revealed for all the players, the marquee players of each team were the top purchases. The first two marquee players form the respective teams may have earned some USD 100,000 while the third player

Sherfane Rutherford

Matthew Nandu

may have earned USD 90,000.

The likes of Caribbean starts, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy are marquee players for their respective teams. Meanwhile, the sixth round International buys earn some USD 25,000 and round seven players earned some USD15,000 dollars. The round eight ICC Associate player, Sandeep Lamichhane, earned USD 60, 000 for Toronto Nationals.

The full squad reads: Brampton Wolves: Darren Sammy, Shakib Al Hassan, Colin Munro, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Babar Hayat, George Munsey, Rohan Mustafa, Zahoor Khan, Timil Patel, Nitish Kumar, Abraash Khan, Armaan Kapoor, Faisal Jamkhandi and Nawab Singh.

Winnipeg Hawks: Chris Lynn, Dwayne Bravo, JP Duminy, Dwayne Smith, Umar Akmal, Rayad Emrit, Najibullah Zadran, Paul Van Meekeren, Sompal Kami, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Sunny Sohail, Hamza Tariq, Kaleem Sana, Umair Ghani, Romesh Eranga and Varun Sehdev.

Vancouver Knights: Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik, Andre Russell, Tim

Southee, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Chadwick Walton, Daniel Sams, Hayden Walsh Johannes Smith, Tobias Visee, Michael Rippon, Ali Khan, Saad Bin Zafar, Rizwan Cheema, Rayyan Pathan, Harsh Thaker and Matthew Nandu.

Edmonton Royals: Kane Williamson, Faf Du Plessis, Ben Cutting, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Sherfane Rutherford, James Neesham, Safyaan Sharif, Anshuman Rath, Richie, Berrington, Ehsan Nawaz, Kyle Phil, Davy Jacobs, Navneet Dhindsa, Akash Gill and Shahid Ahmadzai.

Toronto Nationals: Brendon Mc Cullum, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Heinrich Klaasen, Manpreet Singh Gony, Chris Green, Sandeep Lamichhane, Calum Macleod, Chirag Suri, Ghulam Shabbeer, Jasdeep Singh, Jeremy Gordon, Ravinder Pal Singh, Salman Nazar, Mark Montfort and Rodrigo Thomas.

Montreal Tigers: George Bailey, Sunil Narine, Thisara Perera, Fawad Ahmed, Isuru Udana, Niroshan Dickwella, Keemo Paul, Mohammad Naveed, Kyle Coetzer, Matthew Cross, Nizakat Khan, Steven Taylor, Dillon Heyliger, Nikhil Dutta, Bupinder Singh, Arslan Khan and Yax Patel.

FRIday, JUNE 21, 2019

guyanatimesgy.com

CPL 2019: Seasoned campaigner Permaul looking forward to 7th year

Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) when the 2019 season commences on August 8th.

By In an exclusive interBrandon view done this week with Corlette Guyana Times Sport, Permaul disclosed that uyana getting drafted for Amazon CPL participation always excites him, and Warriors’ he considers repre(GAW’s) senting the GAW to l e f t be a privilege. arm “I want to spinthank the enn e r tire manageVeerasammy ment (of Permaul is GAW) for set for his sevpicking enth year of inme once volvement in the a g a i n to play C P L ” , Permaul declared.

The experienced spinner, who hails from Albion in East Berbice, predicted that his experience Veerasammy Permaul has would play played 56 matches for a great Guyana Amazon Warriors role in the

G

outcome of Hero CPL 2019.

“I have been in the regional set-up for a number of years, and I have learnt a lot over the years, and (have) had success. I am experienced enough, and that always carried me through the years gone by; and definitely, my experience will play a part in me being successful,” Permaul predicted.

The humble 29-yearold, who will celebrate his 30th birthday in August, has experience gained from playing in 76 T20 matches; and he has, from inception, played for the GAW. The prize on which Permaul has set his sight is on helping GAW win the CPL title. “my goal is to do whatever the team requires of me to (help them) win”, Permaul explained.

In the first year of his participation in the CPL, in 2013, Permaul played nine matches for GAW, and grabbed 10 wickets at a brilliant economy rate of 6.55 and a bowling average of 19. In the 2014 season, he

played 11 matches, but took only 5 wickets. He played 10 matches in 2015, and was very economical throughout, taking 8 wickets at an economy rate of 5.75.

In 2016, he took 8 scalps in 12 matches, a n d

had a best bowling figure of 3-20, which is his career’s best to date in the shorter format of the game.

In 2017, he had an ordinary season, taking only 4 wickets in 11 matches, while bowling in the “power play”, which is always tough for spinners.

I n the 2018 season, Permaul played only 3 matches, because C h r i s Green and Imran Tahir were lead spinners for the Warriors; but in those matches, he took 2 wickets.

The GAW Permaul: enjoying a light moment with 2019 CPL squad includes leg-spinWarriors player Martin Guptill

23

ner Shadab Khan and Chris Green, with Permaul being the third spinner.

Although for years the leading wicket-taker in Regional 4-Day tournaments, Permaul has often been overlooked for higher representation. Asked if his CPL performances would enhance his chances at selection to represent the West Indies, Permaul was uncertain.

“It may be out of my control, but if I have a great CPL performance, I would hope to get into the West Indies team”, he responded.

This wily spinner, who has played 113 first-class matches, wherein he has snared 486 wickets, has persistently been unlucky not to earn selection for WI duty. He has also played six Test matches, wherein he has taken 18 wickets, while he has played in 7 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and has eight wickets to his name.

Having made his Test and ODI debuts in 2012, Permaul played his last Test in 2015, his last ODI in 2017, and his last T20 International in Karachi, Pakistan in April 2018.

Lusignan Golf Club to host Court orders DCB elections “Wine Dase” Tournament – main respondents to pay $200,000 in costs

Flashback Friday: Anand Sanasie handing over a trophy to Pakistan Captain Sarfraz Ahmed

J In picture, from left, are Rema Ramlall; LGC’s Guy Griffith; Marcia Nadir-Sharma, CEO of Wine Cellar; and Aleem Hussain, President of LGC

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

n a simple press conference held at MovieTowne, entities Wine Cellar and Massy Distribution, in association with the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), launched ‘Wine Dase’ -- a celebration of fine wines, cheeses and Championship Golf Tournament set for this Saturday at the LGC. Owner and CEO of Wine Cellar, Marcia NadirSharma, said, “Wine Cellar has been in existence for three years, but we have been in wholesale business during that period. But we were waiting for the opening up of the shopping area of MovieTowne to expand our business in 2019. As

you know, golf is considered a very premium sport, and we thought, in association with Massy Distribution, that we should team up with golf and promote exclusive wines with the prestigious sport.

“Now, what we see our role (as) in this weekend’s event is essentially being there as a side attraction, as we don’t want to detract from the golf. We want the players to give their best performance in the competition, and (we want) also to bring a certain sense of awareness to the sport of golf,” she explained.

Tee-off time for Saturday’s tournament is 9:00hrs, and play will run until 12:30 pm, which leaves a lot of time for the

feast. Wine Cellar and Massy Distribution’s side presentation will be available from 14:00 hrs.

In the golf tournament, prizes up for the grabs include 1st and 2nd Best Net scores in each of three flights (of handicaps 0-9, 10-19, 20-28) as well as the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin specialty prizes.

The public is invited to enjoy observing this weekend’s tournament free of cost. For more information on the LGC; on how to become a member, and how to learn the basics of golfing free of charge; how to contribute to the Club, and how to use the facilities; visit the LGC’s Facebook page at lusignangolfclub or call 220-5660 or 668-7419.

ustice Navindra Singh on Thursday ordered that the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) must hold elections no later than August 11, 2019 and that costs amounting to $200,000 be awarded against Anand Sanasie and Anand Kalladeen.

The DCB last held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 25, 2013, when office bearers were elected. However, certain individuals, led by Roger Harper, applied to the Court for a Declaration that that meeting was unlawful, null and void; and therefore, the persons elected as DCB executives, who hold office, were filled with nullity, since their term had ended on January 24, 2015, but they were still occupying office.

In addition, determination was sought on: whether the applicants had standing to institute this application; whether the last AGM of the DCB, wherein the office bearers were elected, was a nullity; whether the term of service of the office bearers elected at the last AGM held by the DCB had come to an end; and whether the court has jurisdiction to make the necessary orders applied for in this case.

The applicants in the case were: Roger Harper, Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) President; Davteerth Anandjit, Secretary of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB); and Bradley Fredericks, President of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA).

Kalladeen, President of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA); Sanasie, President of the West Demerara Cricket Association and VicePresident of DCB; Raj Singh, President of DCB; Alfred Mentore, Ravindranauth Persaud, Sudesh Persaud, Lalta Digamber, Colin Europe, Rohan Sarjoo and Ray Persaud were among the respondents.

Mentore acted in his capacity as Vice President of DCB; Ravindranauth Persaud acted in his capacity

One of the applicants, GCA President Roger Harper

as Secretary of the DCB; Sudesh Persaud acted in his capacity as Assistant Secretary of the DCB; Colin Europe acted in his capacity as Chairman of the DCB; Rohan Sarjoo acted in his capacity as Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the DCB; and Ray Persaud acted in his capacity as Marketing Manager of the DCB. The applicants were represented by Arudranauth Gossai, while Roysdale Forde and Olayne Joseph represented the first and second respondents, Sanasie and Kalladeen. The other respondents, with the exception of Rohan Sarjoo, appeared at the court. Sarjoo agreed to abide by any order the court makes, while the first two respondents agreed otherwise.

Respondents Sanasie and Kalladeen contended that the applicants do not have standing to institute this application, but it was found that the respondents failed to establish that the GCA President had held his position for more than five successive terms, and that each of the applicants had standing to institute the application after the court had made the necessary findings.

In conclusion, the court ruled that there must be DCB elections no later than August 11, 2019, with the number of voting delegates to be in accordance with Article 15 Schedule II of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act. The court also awarded costs to the applicants against the first and second named respondents in the sum of $200,000. (Brandon Corlette)

FRIday, JUNE 21, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Page 23

Lusignan Golf Club to host “Wine Dase” Tournament Paul, Court Rutherford orders selected DCB for GlobalT20 elections Page 22

Page 23

Canada

– Matthew Nandu, Gordon, Heyliger among Guyanese drafted

– main respondents to pay $200,000 in costs

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