Guyana Times, Monday 28 October, 2019.

GPA calls on GECOM Chair, CEO to be more accessible to media Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

P9

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4090

monday, OCTOber 28, 2019

PPP doing all the heavy lifting – Jagdeo on formation of new parties …says parties not speaking out on major elections issues Page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner chopped to death in Region 7 P9 Shallow grave murder

Suspect to face murder charge on Tuesday P8

AFC’s split threats

“I cannot allow people to usurp my authority to choose”– Granger Page 3

Driver dies after slamming into parked vehicles

…passenger battling for life P7 Linden fatal smash-up

GPSU calls for insurance coverage for nurses

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating the Festival of Lights, Guyanese joined with the ceremonial lighting of diyas. In photo, a beautiful Rangoli was on display at a residence in Rahaman's Park, Houston, East Bank Demerara

Fire destroys 2 Peters Hall homes

P7

Linden man found dead in P8 home

Page 11

Guyana Times, Evening News win 6 journalism awards Page 2

West Mahaicony under floodwaters P14

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monday, october 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Times, Evening News win 6 journalism awards

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uyana Times and Evening News won six journalism awards on Saturday at the annual Guyana Press Association (GPA) Awards ceremony, which was held at the Pegasus Hotel.

The GPA recognised journalists, photographers and videographers for their work in areas such as sports, agriculture, business, politics, environment, human rights, finance, and arts and culture, among others.

Three journalists from Guyana Times and Evening News were among the winners.

Lakhram Bhagirat, a journalist with Guyana Times, won third for best newspaper feature and second for his story on arts and culture.

Utamu Belle, Guyana Times’ correspondent from Linden, Region 10 (Upper

Guyana Times and Evening News winners Devina Samaroo and Lakhram Bhagirat

Takutu-Upper Essequibo), copped two third places in the business and arts and culture categories.

Devina Samaroo won second place for best television feature for a story aired on Evening News/Television Guyana Inc (TVG).

She also came in second for best online feature and first for best article highlighting LGBT rights for stories she produced whilst a journalist in another section of the media.

Richard Jagdeo, a videographer, came in third for the best news videography award for his work done at TVG. For this year’s awards, there were 18 categories, however, one was eventually dropped due to the poor quality of entries submitted.

Some 35 journalists entered the competition with almost 260 entries in total.

There was an underwhelming participation in the sports categories.

The most prestigious award of the evening for the young journalist of the year went to 19-year-old Vishani Ragobeer of the State newspaper.

Judging was done by Reuters photographer Andrea, Desilva, Australian journalist and author James Massola, now living in Indonesia, Argentine journalist Nicolas Luca, UWI lecturer and communications consultant Steffon Campbell, Honorary

Guyana Times and Evening News Linden correspondent Utamu Belle

Guyanese and Trinidad journalist Wesley Gibbings, Barbadian journalist and radio veteran Julius Gittens, Trinidadian columnist and advocate Afra Raymond, UWI Climate Scientist Dale Rankin, sport journalist Lasana Liburd and Serbian investigative journalist Gordana Bjeletic.

Meanwhile, Denis Chabrol, Andrea Joseph and Emmerson Campbell were recipients of special awards for their contributions to the profession over the years.

Chabrol had in 2009 launched the country’s first online media entity; Joseph is a veteran broadcaster and a senior sport journalist; while Campbell was recognised for his contributions

to the sport fraternity, not only in media coverage but his achievements in bodybuilding.

In light of the submissions this year, the GPA underscored the need for more media training.

The GPA hopes that in areas where they saw low or no entries, journalists can improve over the next couple of years with the requisite training.

In opening remarks, GPA Executive, Chabrol, who has been in the media since 1986, encouraged journalists to stay true to the profession as he made reference to the many challenges they face.

“Since last December, we have seen one of the tensest, busy and demanding periods in our journalistic careers in recent times,” he highlighted, with clear reference to the events following the historic passage of a No-Confidence Motion against the Government on December 21, 2018.

“They have challenged the way we gather news, the way we disseminate news and most of all, have tested us as true practitioners of journalism.”

“It is going to be an even testier period in the not so near future. With Guyana on the cusp of new economic wealth, possible paradigm shifts and political twists and turns, we encourage you to stay true to the profession,” Chabrol stated.

news

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MONday, october 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, October 28 – 14:30h – 16:00h and Tuesday, October 29 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, October 28 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Tuesday, October 29 – 16:50h-18:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions and sunny intervals are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected during the night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Westerly to North-Easterly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:37h reaching a maximum height of 2.93 metres.

Low Tide: 10:12h and 22:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.39 metre and 0.27 metre.

saturday, october 26, 2019

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AFC’s split threats

“I cannot allow people to usurp my authority to choose” – Granger

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he uncertainty surrounding the selection of Alliance for Change (AFC) leader Khemraj Ramjattan as the prime ministerial candidate for the coalition has the minor party on edge, but according to President David Granger, he cannot allow anyone to usurp his power to pick either his running mate or his intended Cabinet.

Granger was at the time a guest on newly introduced podcast “Inside Source”.

Asked about the tension between his A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and AFC, Granger played down the impasse but noted that talks are progressing.

Questioned about the AFC’s insistence that it should be allowed to choose its own candidate for PM since APNU was allowed to choose their presidential candidate, Granger said that they cannot agree on things outside what the agreement allows. Moreover, he pointed to his own duty to select the team he will run with for the elections.

“I am open to recommendations from all of my parties. And it is my duty to give the country the best team of Ministers. If we prejudice discussions by deciding beforehand, who should be [various Ministers], we’ll get bogged down,” Granger said.

He added that it has to be a careful nomination process. “Is this the best candidate? In every respect and ultimately, the Chief Executive has to make that decision. When the record of our coalition is written, people will speak about the Granger Administration.

The buck stops at Granger.

I cannot allow people to preempt or usurp my authority to select the best people for the Guyanese.”

The AFC had hinted that

ment that should things hit a wall, the issues will be referred back to the respective party leaders. Nothing has been referred to me, indicating that there is a problem.”

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

they could break away, but according to Granger, he is confident that they will return to the campaign trail as a coalition. The President noted that these negotiations are following a threestep outline that both sides agreed to.

“There is a three-stage process and both sides agreed to that process. The first stage is agreement on core principles and we have passed that stage successfully. The second stage is revision. This is not the time to speak about personalities.

Now is the time to speak about principles and policies.”

He added that “once we agree on those principles and policies, the personality will fall into place. We have not discussed personalities, apart from the fact that I will be the presidential candidate. We have an agree-

AFC and APNU, which form the current coalition Government, were in talks over the revision of the Cummingsburg Accord so that they could contest the elections again as a coalition.

The Accord, which binds the two parties, states that the presidential position will be filled by the APNU while the prime ministerial position would be filled by the AFC. However, Treasurer of the AFC, Dominic Gaskin stated at a press conference on Thursday last that these negotiations have been stalled as the parties have since failed to reach a consensus on the prime ministerial candidate.

Vice Chair, Cathy Hughes also revealed, “The Alliance For Change is willing to work with anyone committed to the principles

President David Granger

of constitutional reform and the creation of a more equitable Guyana where everyone has an equal opportunity.”

“Unaware”

On Friday, one day after the AFC announced that talks regarding the coalition’s prime ministerial candidate have reached a stalemate, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) executive, Volda Lawrence said that the party is “unaware” of an impasse

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, october 28, 2019

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

Of coalitions and opportunism

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he present contretemps between the PNC and the AFC over the fate of their Cummingsburg Accord in general, and who gets to choose their Prime Ministerial candidate, in particular, is the seen as the “politricks de jour”, temporarily shoving aside discussions on how precisely the PNC would rig the next elections.

But behind these proximate causes lie deeper structural reasons for the dissonance in decision-making in the coalitions – within APNU and in the APNU/AFC combine.

These emanate from the nature of the coalitions these parties formed; their relative sizes; and their refusal to openly accept their ethnic bases. The permutations and combinations of possible coalitions are almost infinite; but, in general, they form a continuum if we group them according to: (a) How and why they were formed (b) Whether they were intended to be permanent or not, and (c) Whether the component parties remain separate or combined in structure.

Coalitions are fundamentally coalitions of various interests represented by the member parties, but these may or may not be made explicit. From this perspective, political scientists propose three main types of coalitions: the “alliance”; the “coalition of commitment”; and the “coalition of convenience”. The “alliance” seeks to address one or more major cleavages in the political realm by the fusion of two or more representative parties. Typically, they aim to be permanent, and in tune with this aspiration, field a common slate, and promote a common programme under a common leadership. APNU is actually an “alliance” nominally involving four parties and the PNC, but for all intents and purposes, the primary coalescence is between the PNC, the WPA and GAP. But in terms of representation of interests in a polity split for half a century along ethnic lines, only AfricanGuyanese and Indigenous Peoples’ interests were credibly represented. Long regarded as antagonistic to each other, after the 1992 elections, the remnants of the once “multiethnic” WPA gradually began to make common cause with the always African-dominated PNC, as they claimed the PPP/C had not addressing the “marginalisation” of the African-Guyanese community. They adjudged the AfricanGuyanese component of the PPP/Civic to be “tokenistic”.

GAP openly represented Indigenous peoples as does the fledgling LJP. The “coalition of convenience”, however, is driven by one consideration – to form a government that would keep out other parties from government, paradigmatically as with the UF and the PNC in 1964. Programmatically, they had nothing in common and such coalitions are very unstable, and few survive for several reasons. Firstly, their focus is totally electoral – adding up seats – while ignoring the cleavages and forces that made them form separate parties and run on separate platforms in the first place.

These differences inevitably surface, when policies and programmes are formulated and implemented. Thirdly, since the capture of power was their prime motivator, they constantly manoeuvre to monopolise the same. We saw the dénouement of this tendency when the PNC made the UF impotent between 1964-1968.

In all coalitions, “disproportion of size” plays out. The larger party sees itself as the senior member, to which the smaller should defer; while the latter considers itself as an equal, due to its strategic position in “tipping the balance”.

Finally, the “coalition of commitment” can be seen as falling between the other two other models, and attempts to bridge the differences in interests between two parties by crafting a platform that spells out areas of compromise. The Cummingsburg Accord purported to be an attempt by APNU and AFC to form such a coalition, but the AFC never explicitly spelt out they were representing Indian-Guyanese interests to constitute a “national multi-ethnic coalition” with APNU, as they boasted. Two years ago, in leaked emails, several AFC personnel identified and bemoaned PNC’s Granger’s unilateralism as fatally affecting those Indian interests. But Ramjattan and Nagamootoo remained mum.

It was obvious since then the AFC was caught in its own artifice: APNU saw the coalition as one of “convenience” and exploited its disproportion of size. We are now witnessing the denouement of the rampant opportunism.

US President Donald Trump lights a diya while Seema Verma and other Indian-Americans who serve in the Administration look on during a Diwali celebration in the White House (indiaabroad.com photo)

Citizens need to ask questions without constraint Dear Editor, On October 24, I posted the following on Facebook “Our guy just got his Doctorate in Trinidad...their guy just got his Doctor’s report in Cuba #bigdifference #38v78”. This was shared

by Ruel Johnson on his page with a condemnation of the statement saying “the health of the President is off-limits”. I understand Johnson’s knee-jerk reaction to defend his employer, David Granger, but his contention is rejected outright. How can we not discuss David Granger’s health?

Granger is offering himself to the electorate as a candidate to serve as President of our Republic for five years, his physical condition and mental health are legitimate concerns given his recent fight with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his (Granger’s) advanced age.

This may be uncomfortable for some to accept, as for many, cancer is still a taboo subject to be whispered as if the afflicted person was somehow at fault, thankfully, we are almost past those days and awareness campaigns such as “Pinktober” are effective on a global scale.

As Guyana transitions to a first-world economy, so too must our society evolve to face difficult issues and questions head-on. In the United States, hiding medical conditions and keeping health matters private was the norm until the 1990s when Sen Paul Tsongas challenged Bill Clinton in the Democratic primaries, Tsongas was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and treated successfully, Once declared cancer-free, he ran for the Democratic nomination, but during the race, he died from treatment complications after a new growth was found. All candidates must subject themselves to full scrutiny by the electorate; there can be no

taboos or sacred cows in this process.

Editor, health is not the only subject David Granger has avoided; Granger must answer questions on his sudden wealth, how did he afford to build a mansion within 18 months of attaining the presidency? How could he afford to donate his valuable property in D‘Urban Backlands without a thought? I would rather Granger answer these and other concerns directly instead of through acolytes such as Ruel Johnson.

Although David Granger may welcome the initiative shown by Johnson’s attempt to deflect the question, sometimes a man has to stand on his own two feet.

Granger has already proved that he can be a ceremonial President but it is infinitesimally more difficult to be a proxy candidate. Softball interviews with Gordon Moseley cannot replace real interactions with the press.

Guyana is at a critical juncture in history. I would

rather offend the sensibilities of some than sit silently and watch the country’s resources be plundered by Granger and his cabal, in four and a half years, Granger has increased tax collection to over $300 billion per year.

All of which has been spent.

Granger also squandered over US$500 million of our reserves he met when he entered the office, he sold a further $25 billion in gold and spent that too. Every Government agency is bankrupt, forestry, GGMC et al.

The Government overdraft at the bank of Guyana is at 70 billion. The question of what do we have to show for all this spending must be asked! Granger and his cabal spend an inordinate amount of time at the Marriott Hotel, which was built for US$54 million, is owned by the State and has appreciated more than two-fold. Granger has spent US$1200 million without so much as a ‘shorttime’ hotel to show for it.

The future well-being

of our nation is at stake in 2020; Irfaan Ali has a track record of innovation; of delivery on promises made; housing projects; water treatment plants; wells. Dr Ali’s Guyana, South America Undiscovered plan has earned us accolades globally; The Marriott Hotel and the extension of the CJIA were parts of that vision for Guyana’s tourism industry.

Dr Ali did not need a piece of paper to validate his achievements, but his commitment to education in the field of Urban Development and Planning is commendable and relevant to Guyana’s immediate needs. Dr Ali sets a high bar for comparison with other candidates, many of whom are strangers to the concept of basic planning and service to the public. Citizens need to ask questions without constraint, sense and sensibility do not put chickens in every pot.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Urgent intervention needed to tackle murder rate in Guyana

Dear Editor, As a concerned citizen, I am trying to get the attention of all Government and religious leaders as well as my fellow citizens of Guyana with regards to the level of murders that has been taking place in the country. I am hereby asking for urgent intervention by our leaders.

We pride ourselves as being “simple” and “loving” people, yet here we are faced with a situation in which murder seems to have become second nature to us. Too many are in their graves because of simple misunderstandings, ignorance, jealousy, alcohol and in some cases, stupidity. Yes, the police are solving some of these cases, yes, we’re seeing justice

being served but I think instead of justice being served after the fact, we should try to prevent this from happening at the level it is today. Let’s face it, we’re all vulnerable. We can start by coming up with a countrywide programme to help sensitise the people on the negative impacts of this act through outreaches. This can be broadcasted throughout the country via radio, television and social media. We can also get into the schools, get testimonials from the families of the victims and the perpetrators to drive home the message so as to help prevent another person from committing such an act. To the religious leaders, talking to your con-

gregation each week in your space is not enough. I think you need to get out into your respective communities and preach your words of wisdom to the masses and pray with and for them. Additionally, we need to see stricter penalties for those found guilty of committing this act. Too many precious lives are being lost. I love this country but I am dissatisfied with the direction it’s going in presently as it relates to this. For last week alone, I have counted four murders.

We have to take a stand. We have to rise up and do something. It is not too late.

Sincerely, Stefan Tappin

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, october 28, 2019

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

Likely recipe to manufacture evidence and undermine fair hearing

Dear Editor, It is public knowledge that the police, in conjunction with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, have established that the State has no credible evidence with which to charge and prosecute Mr Roger Khan. This was further acknowledged

by Guyana’s unconstitutional Head of State, Mr David Granger, and also by the PNCR. Therefore, any call, inference, or suggestion for the State (ie, “State agencies”) to produce information to prosecute Mr Roger Khan, as has emerged from Mr Granger and the PNCR, is a likely recipe to manufacture evidence and undermine any prospect of a fair hearing should there be one.

Will the public find out later that witnesses are being recruited, paid for by wealthy supporters of the PNCR? Will the public find

out later that a presiding Magistrate or Judge has deep sympathies for the PNCR? Prosecution of Mr Roger Khan is high on the PNCR agenda, especially since the party failed to prevent his return to Guyana on the eve of elections. However, any sudden production of evidence to prosecute Mr Khan upon his immediate return, after a passage of thirteen years of failed investigations will point to political interference.

Mr Roger Khan should not be used by politicians as cannon fodder to gin up election votes. Indeed, any trial of Mr Roger Khan will necessarily be a political trial given the direction taken by Mr Granger and the PNCR. The PNCR has already eliminated the need for admissible evidence and fair trial by adjudging Mr Khan to be guilty. For example, on October 18, 2019, PNCR

executive and former GDF Chief of Staff Gary Best spoke about “the issue of crimes perpetuated by Mr Roger Khan” without any mention of the word “alleged” to identify that all that exists are allegations.

But this is the arrogance Guyana is subjected to on account of political actors who operate above the rule of law; they do and say whatever they want. It is this identical arrogance that gave rise to the political violence that surfaced from 2001 to 2006 by people who felt they could topple a regime elected by the electorate.

Mr Best, for example, to rebuff criticism against the PNCR, said that the PNCR did not gather evidence against Mr Khan during these years because the party “did not have the Government apparatus to do investigations”.

This may sound like a

reasonable response but this is not exactly what the PNCR projected in the past.

In June 2006, for example, the PNCR gave the impression that it had the capacity to and indeed conducted criminal investigations, despite being a political party.

Some of the reporters covering PNCR press conferences may be too young and inexperienced to cover the 2001-2006 time periods in Guyana’s history.

On or about June 3, 2006, the Joint Services issued a press release alleging that persons with ties to the drug trade were attempting to raise a private army by recruiting former members of the army and Police.

It was meant to sway public opinion against Mr Roger Khan as certain senior officials in the Joint Services used “Government apparatus” as Mr Best would have it, to expel Mr Khan from his native domicile, with-

out any due process, treaty, or legal procedure including comity between nations.

The PNCR, in its frenzied obsession with Mr Roger Khan, issued its own press statement on or about June 8, 2006: “The PNCR has also confirmed the Joint Services statement that criminal enterprise is actively recruiting ex-military persons in order to promote further terror and create instability….”

Here is where Mr Best becomes trapped by the elaborate web of misrepresentation spawned by Congress Place, which has also bamboozled PNCR supporters for over a decade.

How could a political party confirm/verify the findings of State Police? This is highly unusual and would require the PNCR itself to conduct investigations. How could the PNCR confirm investigations if the party lacked “Government appa-

ratus” to investigate?

One answer is that there were no investigations and the PNCR received (outside of the ambit of the law), sensitive intelligence from the Joint Services. The then Head of the Police and the then Head of the Army (the then President aside) are now primary members of the PNCR, and this is no coincidence.

This explains why on or about June 14 and 15 of 2006, letters appeared in two Guyanese newspapers (Chronicle and Kaieteur News) from this writer accusing the PNCR and the Joint Services of collusion.

To date, there was no response to those letters.

The public should ensure that the past does not repeat itself here because this is precisely what the PNCR is attempting to get done.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

No transformative economic project in Regions 5, 6 Dear Editor, Undoubtedly, Granger is rapidly becoming a stand-up comedian par excellence. That became apparent as he gyrated to the tune, “Here comes trouble, here comes the danger…” at the opening of New Amsterdam’s Town Day. Everyone had thought that our Foreign Affairs Minister made a blunder when she addressed him as “Danger” at the UN, but she did not. But Granger could not have masked the joy he felt due to the fact that he had eluded the protesters. His extreme overjoy caused him to forget his true status after September 18. It just cannot get better when one hears him earnestly undertaking to reinforce his former position when he declared dubiously to the gathering at New Amsterdam that: “The Government is constitutional and I am a constitutional President.”

He should have told his ‘bussed’ in spectators that he is: “the caretaker President of a caretaker Government.” But at least he must be credited for trying to convince himself.

After listening to his speech at the opening of New Amsterdam Town Day, I am positive that Granger truly believes that Berbicians are stupid or they have a short memory or are suffering from amnesia. Everywhere that Granger goes he seemed bent on articulating and twisting the same speech.

His clichés have now ceased to impress anyone except himself and his robotic supporters.

The caretaker President made a wholly untrue and concocted statement when he boldly declared that “before 2015, New Amsterdam was a victim of inertia and financial inertia”. Mr

Granger should be aware that it was only after the closure of the Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates that New Amsterdam became such a “victim” and it was a direct result of the callous decision of his Government to shutter the estates and dismiss over 4000 workers at Rose Hall and Skeldon.

Then he spun his usual yarn. He said that “New Amsterdam has the potential to become a dynamo of economic development in this region” and that “…

Region Six could lead the way in agro-industries and manufacturing”. Then he seemed to have forgotten what he told his supporters at Union Village that they can make breadfruit chips and sell it at the Berbice Bridge when he did his trademark about-turn and told his supporters at New Amsterdam that, “don’t worry with selling plantain chips by the Bridge, factories can be established to produce agricultural produce for the entire Caribbean”. That is the ‘economic genius’ speaking!

The more I studied Granger’s speech, the more I am convinced why he wants to retain Nagamootoo as the prime ministerial candidate. I realised that Ramjattan is a pace bowler and Nagammotto is the spinner. It’s a family trait!

Granger needs a spinner, not a pacer! Since being in Nagamootoo’s company, Granger has become a spinner. Let us now look at a few of the spins. In February 2016, Granger referred to the Corentyne as “a sleeping giant” and that, “Berbice can lead the economic recovery…

Berbice is the sugar bowl of the country, the rice pot of the country, the fish market of the country…” Since

that time, we all know what happened to the “sugar bowl”, “the rice pot” and “the fish market”!

Then in April 2017, he told the people at the Expo in Region Five that, “Region Five is an agricultural powerhouse and has the potential to be the Caribbean’s rice bowl”. This was after unconscionably raising the land rent by 600 per cent and dispossessing some of the rice farmers of their land in January 2017, just months before.

In addition, in April 2016, the Opposition had called for the removal of

VAT on capital equipment such as bulldozers, tractors and similar heavy-duty industrial machines.

That call fell on deaf ears!

I am wondering whether Granger knew that the VAT would be counterproductive to his “rice bowl” illusion.

Granger should know that his Government has never done any transformative economic project in either Regions Five or Six and that no amount of ‘spin’ and empty rhetoric can erase the reality that agriculture has been dead since the advent of the co-

alition. Increased taxes, bankruptcy of businesses, cutting of the agriculture budget on a yearly basis, starving Regions Five and Six of funds for capital expenditure resulting in impassable dams and flooding, the inability of the Ministry of Agriculture to effectively handle the paddy bug infestation, decreasing rice production, closing of the estates, increasing employment and job losses, decreasing

sugar production, rise in crimes and criminal activities, among many other debilitating issues to which the Government has no resolution have made Granger’s ‘spin’ distasteful and abhorrent to Berbicians. Moses should really work on some new lines for the stand-up comedian to ‘oil’ his performance!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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monday, OCTOber 28, 2019

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motions (feelings) are a normal and important part of our lives.

Some emotions are positive. Think of happiness, joy, interest, curiosity, excitement, gratitude, love, and contentment.

These positive emotions feel good. Negative emotions – like sadness, anger, loneliness, jealousy, self-criticism, fear, or rejection can be difficult, even painful at times.

That’s especially true when we feel a negative emotion too often, too strongly, or we dwell on it too long.

Negative emotions are impossible to avoid, though. Everyone feels them from time to time.

They may be difficult, but we can learn to handle them.

Here are three steps that can help you handle negative emotions.

Foundation

Step 1: Identify the emotion Learning to notice and identify your feelings takes practice. In addition to focusing on your feelings, check in with your body, too. You may feel body sensations with certain emotions – perhaps your face gets hot, for example, or your muscles tense.

Be aware of how you feel. When you have a negative emotion, such as anger, try to name what you’re feeling.

For example: That guy Ian in my study group makes me so mad!

I get so jealous when I see that girl/guy with my ex.

I feel afraid whenever I have to walk past those bullies.

Don’t hide how you feel from yourself. You might not want to broadcast your feelings to other people (like your ex, for example,

or that guy in your study group who is making you mad). But don’t suppress your feelings entirely.

Simply naming the feeling is a lot better than pretending not to have it — or exploding without thinking.

Know why you feel the way you do. Figure out what happened that got you feeling the way you do.

For example: Whenever we do group projects, Ian finds a way to take all the credit for other people’s work.

Our teacher thinks Ian’s the star of the team, even though he never has his own ideas.

When I see my ex flirting with other people, it reminds me that I still have feelings for him/her.

Even though the bullies don’t pick on me, I see what they do to other people and it worries me.

Don’t blame. Being able to

recognise and explain your emotions isn’t the same as blaming someone or something for the way you feel. Your ex probably isn’t seeing someone new as a way to get back at you, and the guy who takes credit for your work might not even realise what he is doing. How you feel when these things happen comes from inside you. Your feelings are there for a reason — to help you make sense of what’s going on.

Accept all your emotions as natural and understandable. Don’t judge yourself for the emotions you feel. It’s normal to feel them. Acknowledging how you feel can help you move on, so don’t be hard on yourself.

Step 2: Take action Once you’ve processed what you’re feeling, you can decide if you need to express y o u r

emotion. Sometimes it’s enough to just realise how you feel, but other times you’ll want to do something to feel better.

Think about the best way to express your emotion. Is this a time when you need to gently confront someone else? Talk over what you’re feeling with a friend? Or work off the feeling by going for a run?

For example: It won’t solve anything to show my anger to Ian – it may even make him feel more superior! But my feelings tell me that I need to avoid getting in another situation where he takes control over a project.

I’ll hold my head high around my ex, then I’ll put on some sad songs and have a good cry in my room to help me release my feelings and eventual-

ly let go.

My fear of being around those bullies is a sign that they have gone too far. Perhaps I should talk about what’s going on with a school counsellor.

Learn how to change your mood At a certain point, you’ll want to shift from a negative mood into a positive one. Otherwise your thinking may get stuck on how bad things are, and that can drag you down into feeling worse. Try doing things that make you happy, even if you don’t feel like it at the time. For example, you might not be in the mood to go out after a breakup, but going for a walk or watching a funny movie with friends can lift you out of that negative space. (Excerpt from kidshealth.org)

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s we grow up, we get better at knowing what we are feeling and why. Knowing our feelings help us know what we want and make choices. It helps us relate to other people. Even difficult feelings (like anger or sadness) help us to know ourselves.

Paying attention to feelings is a skill that anyone can practice. Here are some things to try:

Notice and name your feelings

To start, just notice how you feel as things happen.

Say the name of the feeling to yourself. For example, you might say, “I feel proud” when a class presentation goes well; “I feel disappointed” at not doing well on a test, or “I feel friendly” when sitting with a group at lunch.

Track one emotion

Pick one emotion – like joy. Track it all day. Notice how often you feel it. Every time, make a mental note to yourself or write it down. Is the feeling mild, medium, or strong?

Learn new words for feelings

How many different feelings can you name? Try thinking of even more. How many words are there for “angry”? For example, you might be annoyed, mad, irate, or fuming.

Keep a feelings journal

Take a few minutes each day to write about how you feel and why. Writing about your feelings is a way to express them. You can also make art, write poetry, or compose music that captures an emotion you feel.

Notice feelings in art, songs, and movies

Pay attention to what the artist did to show those feelings. How do you feel in response?

The more you are aware of your emotions, the more they help you know yourself and understand the people around you. Noticing and talking about feelings is a healthy way to express them. It keeps difficult feelings from building up. (kidshealth.org)

NEWS

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MONday, october 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP doing all the heavy lifting – Jagdeo on formation of new parties …says parties not speaking out on major elections issues

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hile the Opposition P e o p l e ’ s Progressive Party (PPP) says it is not fettered by the increased establishment of new political parties, it noted, however, that it seems to be the one doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to speaking out on major issues such as the hosting of the upcoming General and Regional Elections in March next year.

Of recent, there has been an increase in the number of new and small parties entering the political scene.

Speaking at his weekly press conference last week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said that the formation of these new parties allows for the newcomers to talk about current issues and help in the fight against the excesses of the coalition Government.

However, he noted that this is not happening.

“I don’t hear anybody fighting for probity at GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission), and a clean [voters’] list, and free and [fair] elections, and all of that. I don’t hear them speak about these issues. It seems as though we have to

Opposition Jagdeo

Leader

Bharrat

do all the heavy lifting on these matters. I would welcome their involvement in these other issues…” Jagdeo contended.

Only two weeks ago, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said it is not threatened by these new entries into the political scene.

This was expressed by PNCR’s executive member, retired Rear Admiral Gary Best when he was asked about the implications these small parties can have on the traditional voting patterns in Guyana. According to Best, these new parties bring nothing new to the ta-

ble that has not been raised before.

The PNCR is among the five members that formulated APNU which formed a coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC) in 2015 to get into office.

The PNCR-led APNU also comprises of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Justice For All Party (JFAP), National Front Alliance (NFA) and the Guyana Action Party (GAP).

Earlier this month it was revealed by APNU Leader, President David Granger, that the partnership is in talks with one of the new small parties – Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), after its founder, Lenox Shuman, reached out for discussions.

Meanwhile, at last week’s press conference, the Opposition Leader posited that there is space for persons to form new parties if they want to but warned that they should not be coming after the PPP. “I saw one [member] of one of the parties saying some very derogatory things about the People’s Progressive Party and I have not responded as yet because that particular per-

son, he is dissatisfied because of corruption within APNU (A Partnership of National Unity – the largest fraction of the coalition Administration). He wanted something too and he didn’t

get the perk there, another APNU person got the perk…”

Jagdeo continued that “If you criticise us we will defend ourselves but right now we are not picking a fight

Linden fatal smash-up

GPSU calls for insurance coverage for nurses

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s two families mourn the deaths of their loved ones who died in the early morning smashup involving an ambulance and a motorcar at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on Saturday, Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) representative Maurice Butters is calling for insurance coverage for nurses travelling in hospital vehicles.

The accident, which occurred at about 03:40h at Obama Drive along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway resulted in the deaths of male nurse attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC)

Eon Reddock

Tristan Clarke

Ward. Injured were ambulance attendant 25-yearold Shoma Douglas of Buck Hill, Wismar, Linden, and 39-year-old Rametse Paul of Lot 1045 Phase 1B Wisroc, Wismar, Linden.

collided head-on with motorcar PRR 781, which was driven by Clarke. At the time, the ambulance was said to be returning to Linden from Georgetown after transporting a pregnant woman to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Regional Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter disclosed that based on the accident scene, it appeared as though the car went into the path of the ambulance, resulting in a headon collision. The injured persons have since been transported to the GPHC as investigations continue.

Driver dies after slamming into parked vehicles …friend battling for life at GPHC

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21-year-old driver is now dead while his friend is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he allegedly lost control of motor car PMM 9535 along the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Public Road.

Dead is Keshav Geetram of Lot 201 Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Meanwhile, his injured friend is 32-year-old Robin

Kawall of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Reports are the accident occurred about 15:30h on Saturday when the duo were heading east along the East Coast of Demerara.

Geetram reportedly lost control of his vehicle resulting in his car spinning along the roadway before it slammed into a parked vehicle. As a result of the impact, the vehicle continued to spin and the rear section collided with the right-side

rear of another car that was also parked on the roadway.

Both the driver and his friend received several injuries and were removed from the wreckage by Police ranks that had responded to calls for help.

The two injured men were both unconscious when they were rushed to the GPHC for emergency medical treatment.

However, Geetram succumbed to his injuries around 00:10h on Sunday.

with anyone. They have a space, they have a right to do so – to create political parties… It’s a free country [and] people have a right to set up whatever party they want”.

Mourning families

The ambulance and car at the crash site, Obama Drive, Amelia’s Ward, Linden

37-year-old Eon Reddock of Lot 763 Amelia’s Ward and 18-year-old Tristan Clarke of Lot 4847 Central Amelia’s

Reports are the ambulance, bearing registration number PXX 4739, which was being driven by Paul,

Reddock’s mother, Merlene Sampson, told this newspaper that she last saw her son alive at about 16:00h on Friday prior to him leaving home for the night shift.

The woman noted that the accident occurred close to their home. continued on page 9

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Shallow grave murder

Suspect to face murder charge on Tuesday

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he man who confessed to killing 14-year-old Christopher Basdeo, whose body was dug up from a shallow grave at a construction site on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), will on Tuesday be arraigned for the first time before Leonora Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul on a murder charge.

Reports are that the man is a relative of the teen.

Just a few days ago, Basdeo’s family called for justice to be served in a timely manner. They are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination (PME) before finalising his funeral arrangements.

Debbie Basdeo, the late teen’s mother, on Saturday told Guyana Times that the circumstances surrounding her youngest child’s death were shocking, since no one had thought the perpetrator would have committed such a heinous act.

“We never had that thought that he [the suspect] would do something like this; we trusted him,” she told this newspaper.

Standing in the yard

of her home at La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme as preparations were being made for the wake, Debbie Basdeo said her youngest child had left home to visit a friend at about 16:30h on October 17. Not realising it was the last time she would see him alive, she had casually said goodbye when he had said, “Mommy, I coming back”, as he left the home.

The next time she had seen her son was on Friday, she said, when his lifeless body was dug out of a shallow grave at a construction site on the West Bank of Demerara.

She said her son had left home to go visit a friend who lives abroad but was vacationing in Guyana.

According to her, he later left to visit his sister, and then left her house with a relative, after which he was never seen alive again.

Fighting back tears as she spoke, Debbie said the location where her son’s body was found is in close proximity to a farm that he would frequent. She said that after the teen disappeared, they searched the same area, but

Christopher Basdeo

had no idea that his lifeless body was hidden within vicinity of where they were searching.

“He normally goes to the pine farm and he picks pine right there, and we went there the day before his body was found. We walked through and were searching all over. We were searching for my son, not knowing my son (was) buried right there.

We walked right through that place to go, and I didn’t know my son was right by the second post. It is real hurtful to know! He should not have killed my child… my 14-year-old didn’t do

anything to deserve this,” the grieving mother lamented.

On Friday, after intense grilling by investigators, the suspect, a rice farmer, declared that he and the Basdeo lad had been consuming alcohol in their village when an argument ensued over money. He confessed to picking up a piece of wood and using it to deal Basdeo a blow to his head.

In his confession statement, the suspect declared that the impact of the hit resulted in Basdeo falling to the ground, and he left the teenager on the ground and returned to his home.

However, he said, he returned to the location later that night, picked up Basdeo’s body, dug a 7ft 2” shallow grave, and buried the body inside.

Accompanied by several Policemen, the rice farmer was taken back to the crime scene, and after digging at the spot where he claimed he had buried the body, the decomposed body of Basdeo was found. The dead teen’s skull appeared to have been fractured.

Linden man found dead in home

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he lifeless body of a 20-year-old man was discovered with a sling tied around his neck hanging from the roof inside of his bedroom at the Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) home he shared with his sister and their grandparents.

Dead is Oswin Dennis Richards, a labourer of Lot 566 Block 22 Wismar, Linden.

Reports are that on Friday morning Richard

had a misunderstanding with his 16-year-old girlfriend during a telephone call and the teenager threatened to end their relationship.

As a result of her threat, Richards told the girl that if she was going to break up with him, then he would end his life.

The 16-year-old subsequently ended the telephone call, ignoring Richard’s statement, since she believed that it was a ploy to ensure that she re-

mained in the relationship with him.

However, at about 11:00h, a female relative went into his bedroom where she discovered the young man hanging from the ceiling.

An alarm was raised and police officers were immediately notified and summoned to the scene where ranks cut down the body from the sling.

No visible marks of violence were seen on his body. He taken to the

Dead: Oswin Dennis Richards

Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead.

Richard’s body is at the Jetsco Mortuary awaiting a Post Mortem Examination (PME).

Police have since launched an investigation.

Unravelling…

A

…hyphenated identities s happens like clockwork around every election, someone or other will throw into the boiling pot of our politics that cleaves around ethnic identities. “Oh why can’t we all be just GUYANESE, why do we have to be hyphenated-Guyanese??” And of course, then sanctimoniously announce THEY’ve been able to do it and why can the rest of us follow in their hallowed footsteps??!! The assumption, of course, is that hyphenation is a bad and backward thing!!

Now right away we gotta point out that this hyphenated-Guyanese business isn’t just a “Guyanese thing”. Pick country, ANY country and you’ll find the hyphens abounding, obviously with some more than others. Guyana and most of Africa, plenty; Japan and Korea, less so. The question, then is, do human beings have this need to be hyphenated?? Is it something we choose to do?? Is it an innate drive? Or is it something imposed on us?

Rather than look at Guyana to understand this hyphenation business, why don’t we look at the US, which isn’t only the “land of the free and home of the brave”, but represents all we wish to be: rich and democratic!! And like us, they were formed by all sorts of people from scads of countries coming over to take over the land from what they called “Red Injuns”!

Do they have hyphenated identities, even though they were launched over 200 years ago? You can bet your firstborn, that they do!! In fact they pretty much LAUNCHED the hyphenation movement to insist that SOME SPECIFIED Americans weren’t even fully human!!

Well. Some of you may say that look how the Eyetalian Americans and the Irish-Americans and British Americans don’t REALLY identify as such any longer.

Now while on the surface there may be something to that, if you believe it, then I have a bridge across the Demerara River to sell you!! What you’ll notice if you scratch them deep enough that the REAL Americans are the descendants of those folks who came over from England and landed at Plymouth Rock! Every other group that came later had to strive to be as close to those REAL Americans as they could to be accepted.

And that, of course, brought up the Elephant in the room: how would the folks brought over from Africa and arrived waaaay before those Eye-talians and such-like become “as close” to the Englishers, when the colour of their skin made them “less human”??

What we see then is the hyphenation that made the African-Americans “different” was imposed to justify inequality. As Malcolm X said, “Plymouth Rock LANDED on them!”

And just like Guyana, once there are inequalities in treatment, the hyphens will remain!!

…the list quagmire The method to the not-so-new GECOM Chair’s apparent madness is becoming clearer with each passing day. The particular piece of madness your Eyewitness has in mind right now is her decision on the unilaterally and secretly ordered H2H registration by her illegally appointed predecessor. OK, dear reader, he knows this matter’s been brought up ad nauseum. But when conjecture and speculation on the aim as rigging the elections, become reality, it gotta be placed on the record.

With the PPP absent from the H2H expedition, the data was always going to be fruit of a poisoned exercise, wasn’t it? Irretrievably tainted. But instead of dumping the 370,000 names collected, the Chair agreed to have them coded. Then agreed to have them “matched”. Then agreed to have them divided by registration districts. Then agreed to have them posted at the GECOM districts’ HQ’s.

So what’s the next step?? To use the lists as the “comparator” or standard to compare the data on the PLE. Folks on that list don’t even have to produce birth certificates!! …the APNU coalition In the wake of the strains in the AFC/PNC coalition, Indigenous Peoples Minister, GAP’s Sydney Allicock cautioned against a breakup, “because the coalition represents the entire country.”

So why’s Granger talking with Schuman? Allicock also lost his mojo?

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

news

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MONday, october 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPA calls on GECOM Chair, CEO Miner chopped to death in Region 7 to be more accessible to media A

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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s the country prepares to host one of the most intense elections in its history, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has called on the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Chairperson and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) to be more accessible to the media in order to avoid confusion about its preparations for the polls next year.

These sentiments echoed what Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said during his last press conference, where he pointed out that Chairperson Retired Justice Claudette Singh needs to be more assertive when it comes to the work of the Commission.

GPA Executive, Denis Chabrol during the 2019 Media Awards ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday evening indicated that continued silence from those officials could lead to confusion as elections approach.

“I cannot resist this opportunity on behalf of the Executive and members of the Guyana Press Association to publicly call on the Chairman and the Chief Elections Officer [Keith Lowenfield] to be accessible to the media in this crucial period heading to the general elections,” Chabrol stated.

“We are tired of hearing from who can best be termed political representatives with a vested interest in the Guyana Elections Commission. It is time for the Chairman of GECOM and the CEO to brief the media to avoid confusion and misinterpretation in the minds of voters,” he contended.

GECOM has intensified its weekly meetings in order to prepare for elections to be held in March 2020.

Following every meeting, however, there are oftentimes differing accounts of

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

GPA Executive Denis Chabrol

what would have transpired.

These accounts are provided by either the Opposition or Government-aligned Commissioners.

The Opposition Commissioners are Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn while the Government Commissioners are Vincent Alexander, Charles Gobin and Desmond Trotman.

Having the GECOM Chair or CEO’s input on the deliberations during the meetings would provide a more comprehensive and unbiased view of what transpired.

During his press conference last Thursday, Jagdeo stressed that the GECOM Chair should have regular press conferences or press statements as the country moves closer to elections.

He highlighted the fact that at the end of every weekly statutory meeting, the GECOM Commissioners are the ones updating the Guyanese public on the work of the Elections Commission.

And, according to Jagdeo, there are serious concerns about the confusion this initiates. In this regard, the Opposition Leader had emphasised that the sole source of “credible information” has to be the GECOM Chairperson.

One such example of con-

GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

fusion is the issue regarding the Government-nominated GECOM Commissioners’ push to have some 28,000 Guyanese voters removed from the voters’ list on the ground that they were registered in 2008 but never uplifted their national identification cards.

However, the Opposition Leader pointed to the fact that it was the current GECOM Chair who ruled that the requirement for voters to have a voter ID card in 1997 was ultra vires Articles 59 and 159 of the Constitution (despite a parliamentary agreement to use the cards) when Esther Pereira, a PNC supporter, petitioned the High Court to set aside the results of the 1997 elections. More recently, he added, Chief Justice Roxane George ruled that removing persons from the voters’ list, using capricious reasoning, is illegal.

“As soon as this proposal came up, she should have shut it down, because it is illegal based on her own ruling, as well as the recent ruling from the Chief Justice…still it is a matter for discussion and continued to gain currency in the media,” Jagdeo said.

In addition to ensuring that confusion is not the order of the day, Jagdeo stressed that there are also other areas where the GECOM Chairperson must act decisively and be assertive.

These include a decision on having an international presence within the GECOM Secretariat to ensure that the voters’ list is not compromised and to ensure that no Guyanese voter is compromised, among other things.

He said, “At the end of the day, she is overall in charge [of GECOM] and I thought by now, she would want to have second opinions, more people looking out to see if everything is done properly if they want free and fair elections”.

gold miner is now dead after he was chopped about his body by a Brazilian and his stepfather during an alleged robbery.

Dead is 36-year-old David Atkinson, called “Long Hair”, of Kuru Kuru, Linden-Soesdyke Highway. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Guana Sand Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Guyana Times was told that there were conflicting reports about the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and as a result, three persons were in custody as Police hunted for two other suspects.

Reports are that on Thursday, Atkinson, along with two of his co-workers, went to their employer’s “washing down” (final process of gold mining) of his dredge and afterwards they visited a shop, where they were seen partying.

According to Police, about 01:00h on Friday while Atkinson and his two colleagues were returning to their camp, the Brazilian man in the company of another male, alleged to be his stepfather, pointed a gun in their direction, threaten-

ing them, and then robbed them of a quantity of raw gold.

However, Atkinson’s two friends claimed that they managed to grab the Brazilian and disarm him.

In the process, the other man fled the scene.

The trio reportedly took the suspect to their camp and handed over the firearm to their employer, but the bandit managed to make good his escape while the men were distracted.

It is unclear how Atkinson became severely wounded, but according to the Police, when investigators visited the camp, he was still alive.

Police said that he had an incised wound to his left wrist and multiple lacerations about his body.

Atkinson, before his death, told a Police Officer that it was the Brazilian, who he identified by name, and the man’s stepfather who “chopped him up”.

Investigators then transported Atkinson on Saturday morning for medical treatment, but he succumbed en route. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Atkinson’s employer had

told Police that on Friday about 04:50h, Atkinson and the other two miners visited him with the suspect, who they had tied up, claiming that he tried to rob them.

However, the suspect’s younger brother told the Police that on Thursday night about 22:30h, he, along with the suspect, was in their mother’s camp watching a movie when the now dead man and his two co-workers joined them.

The young man claimed that shortly after, Atkinson and the two men held him and his brother at gunpoint demanding that they hand over their money and gold.

According to the suspect’s brother, one of Atkinson’s co-workers dealt him a cuff to his head and he lost consciousness. He claimed that some three hours later, his stepfather arrived at their camp, and he related what had occurred. The older man is said to have left the camp in a rush in search of his other stepson.

Given the conflicting statements surrounding the incident, Police arrested all of the persons in the camp as they continued their investigation.

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NEws

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MONday, october 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fire destroys 2 Peters Hall homes

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everal persons are now homeless after fire destroyed two houses at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, on Sunday.

Reports are the fire started just before 20:00h at the Lot 28 School Street, Peters Hall, residence before spreading to the home next door, completely engulfing the neighbouring house.

Guyana Times understands that the house where the fire started was occupied by seven persons – all relatives – who lived in four apartments.

The eldest, Liloutie Persaud, 79, is the mother of the dentist, Anand Seepersaud, who operates a dental clinic on the Peters Hall Public Road.

The other occupants are Omadai Persaud, 62; Deocali Persaud, 60; Ishwar Rahat, Djiewesh Persaud and Kalawatie Boodram, who celebrated her 65th birthday on

The raging fire which destroyed two houses in Peters Hall on Sunday

Sunday.

Omadai Persaud told reporters that she and some other female relatives were sitting at the front of the house talking when they heard shattering sounds coming from the upstairs back apartment that was occupied by another female relative.

“When I go by the back

GPSU calls for...

“When we got the message he was already at the hospital,” Sampson indicated.

The family recalled that Reddock first started working in the maintenance department of the hospital before enrolling in the nursing midwifery programme. He had worked at the hospital for over 10 years prior to his death. Reddock’s sister, Feigel Sparman, said he would be remembered as a great poet who had a love for music, writing poems and the game of cricket.

Sparman said her brother was very hardworking and even did brush cutting and block making. She said her brother’s death is a huge loss to the family as well as the entire Linden community.

“He was an all-rounded nurse. In every department he can function. Anytime there was an accident and he’s off duty, he would put on his clothes and go to that hospital and help...it’s a very difficult time for us to get through with this,” Sparman added.

She is encouraging drivers and road users to be more cautious.

Clarke’s father, Travis Clarke, described his son as an obedient child but expressed regret in lending him his car to attend a school pageant at Wismar on Friday evening. Clarke, who was a student of the

Linden Technical Institute (LTI) is the only son for his parents. His father said that by the time he learnt of the accident, his son’s body was already transported to the hospital.

Insurance coverage

Meanwhile, GPSU regional representative Maurice Butters is calling for insurance coverage for nurses who travel in vehicles attached to hospitals as well as for the ambulances.

“It’s not the first time we have ambulances involved in accidents in Linden and most times it would be when they’re returning from Georgetown,” Butters stressed.

He recalled an accident about four years ago involving an ambulance and a cow, where he noted that several nurses were injured, however, he outlined that this is the first such accident in Linden where there was a fatality with a nurse. Butters also alleged that the ambulances are not insured.

“Our concern is, as the representative for employees, is that when these nurses are injured, what happens next?. There is no coverage for them, the vehicles don’t have insurance – the ambulances. The hospital doesn’t have an insurance policy and there is no kind of policy in place to ensure that those injured, they are taken care

and check, I see she whole [apartment] full with smoke… If I didn’t come out I woulda get bun up in the house,” she told reporters.

The women contended that the fire was not caused by diyas, as was being speculated, but was, in fact, an electrical fire.

“It start from the meter.

The meter was sparking...,”

from page 7

of. And this thing has been happening for the longest while. It went so far that we had advised our nurses not to accompany in the ambulance to Georgetown,” he said.

He added that this advice was given about three years ago, owing to similar incidents with regard to nurses being injured in accidents.

The union representative explained that it is a troubling situation which has always been a contention.

“Only the other day, at a conference we passed a resolution asking for a special type of insurance to be taken out for employees who are working under hazardous conditions. That include nurses...We want to have a total insurance coverage for nurses and staff working under these conditions”, the GPSU representative noted.

In this case, he explained that this type of insurance is necessary in case nurses are injured on the job, and also for nurses working at psychiatric hospitals.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Renis Morian appealed to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to be more careful on the roadways. He noted that there are some dangerous bends on the roadway and more illumination is necessary. He said in times past, efforts were made to light certain areas, however, the lights were stolen.

the woman stated. She told reporters that her nephew had indicated that the meter had been sparking a few days now.

Speaking with reporters, Djiewesh pointed out that they only lit 10 diyas on Sunday – Diwali – and all were in the yard.

He recalled that he had just gotten home with his grandmother, who is wheelchair-bound, and another aunt when they were informed that the house was on fire.

Djiewesh said he went to remove the gas bottle to prevent it from exploding with the hope that the house could be saved but by that time, the entire building – wooden upstairs and concrete lower flat – was already engulfed.

Meanwhile, the house next door that was also destroyed in Sunday’s blaze was rented out to two sets

A firefighter battling the blaze

of tenants. The owners are overseas.

The downstairs is occupied by a lone female, while two others, who are students at the University of Guyana (UG) lived upstairs.

Omadai told reporters that the fire service took some time to arrive and when they did come, there

was no water.

“Everybody call for them and when they come, they park up there. No water they come with. When they come in the neighbour house start to catch afire and then they start to spray the neighbour house. Is three tenders come without water,” the woman stated.

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MONday, october 28, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

West Mahaicony New orthopaedic technicians under floodwaters urged to provide service with care ...residents, livestock affected

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he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has 10 new orthopaedic technicians, who graduated from the institution’s Orthopaedic Training Programme.

The programme commenced in October 2018 and lasted one year, during which the technicians were exposed to lectures and practical sessions in orthopaedic techniques. It saw 10 of 11 students passing the final examination and commencing a three-month internship, which was successfully completed by all the participants.

At the graduation ceremony held on Friday, Senior Medical Registrar of Orthopaedics and coordinator of the training programme, Dr Kaaleshwar Ramcharran presented an overview of same, in which he explained some of the exercises students were exposed to.

“The programme was a packed one, it involved lectures and practical [sessions]….they learnt how to prepare patients on the operating table and as I mention before, scrubbing-in with surgeons and assisting them with surgeries. The programme involved numerous assessments, during the course work period they were involved in tests and assignments and at the end of it they had a final examination,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in his brief remarks and charge to the graduands, Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, strongly urged them to be careful when providing services to patients, and only function in areas for which they were trained.

The CEO added that this especially crucial since an attempt to experiment may cause someone’s life or even bring a lawsuit against the health facility.

“Remember also that you

One of the students receiving an award from the GPHC CEO

are not doctors or nurses, you are orthopaedic technicians, therefore, you must only do what you were taught. Do not attempt to do what you were not taught, do not seek to experiment because if you make mistakes, your mistake may cause the loss of a life or some harm to our patients. Always remember also that if you make a mistake, it may cause you to explain your actions or even cause your hospital to be sued for negligence, therefore, you must be careful,” the CEO stated.

However, Lewis also encouraged those graduating to report mistakes if they occur. By doing so, he explained, corrective actions will be taken by the hospital especially if it is in relation to a patient’s condition to prevent death due to neg-

ligence. Further, he urged them to desist from hiding mistakes since this may result in more dire consequences.

“But most importantly, if you make a mistake report it immediately to your immediate superiors, since in healthcare time is of essence. If you report early, corrective action will be taken which may save the patient’s life. Do not for one moment believe that your mistakes will not be found out even if the patient die.

[So] if you do make a mistake, make sure you report it early so we can take action,” the GPHC Head urged.

Eight of the now certified technicians, hail from Regions One, Seven, and Four whilst two came from Belize.

Taxi driver leads defence on attempted murder charge

T

he case of an old debt which landed a taxi driver on remand after he was slapped with an attempted murder charge is being heard before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

On Thursday, taxi driver Morris Carter led his defence as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the case continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that the 43-year-old man, of D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, on August 27, 2019, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, wounded Matthew Gilbert.

Leading his defence on Thursday, Carter said that he was wrongfully charged.

He claimed that he should never have been charged for attempted murder, but rather a charge of wounding would have sufficed.

Carter, who has two witnesses to call, told the court that he was defending himself during a fight with the Virtual Complainant (VC).

The prosecution is contending that on August 27, 2019, the VC was at a wash bay when he was approached

by Morris. It is alleged that

Morris Carter

he owed Morris $2000 for a ring, which had initially cost $7000. According to the prosecution, a confrontation ensued after the VC claimed that he did not have any money to pay the debt, and rather asked for a month-long grace period to pay. This led to a fight and the VC was stabbed several times with a pair of scissors.

He was rushed to a health centre in the area, but owing to the extent of his injuries, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. The case will continue on October 30, 2019

news

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MONday, october 28, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPHC to launch new “operation” to reduce surgery waiting list

I

n an effort to decrease the number of persons on the waiting list for surgeries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), another initiative geared at targeting those specialised services for a short period will be launched soon.

This is according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, who recently told Guyana Times that this programme will be similar to “Operation Hernia” that was conducted last year and aided in reducing the number of persons who are in dire need of surgical services.

“Yes, we do have a waiting list for a number of surgeries and that is as a result of the volume of patients

who visit here and require services. Through Operation Hernia we would have reduced the backlog of persons who were waiting for that type of surgeries and other minor surgeries. Later this year we are going to launch a similar type of operation, I don’t know what we are going to call it this year, but that would be designed also to reduce the backlog of surgeries,” he stated.

Lewis explained that the entire concept of the new “operation” that will soon be introduced is similar to what was done during the recently held “Operation Walk” which was spearheaded by US doctors based in Maryland.

“Where we had a concentrated period [for Operation Walk] whether it is a week

or five days and we combine all our forces and all our resources to focus on that type of surgery. That is what we plan to do later this year

and I do believe with that, we are going to reduce the backlog. It was reduced significantly last year after we did Operation Hernia and

we are going to do something similar this year,” he stated.

Meanwhile, according to Head of the Orthopaedic Department at the GPHC, Dr David Samaroo, there are almost 200 patients on the waiting list to have some form of orthopaedic surgery done at the GPHC. Dr Samaroo pointed out that local doctors are competent in doing most surgeries at the GPHC, especially related to trauma, orthopaedic deformities and joint surgeries but noted that the cost of conducting the latter is more than one would think. Even with assistance from overseas teams visiting Guyana to aid in the situation, he said the cost factor has resulted in the number of persons seeking such treatment

at the GPHC climbing.

He further noted that the GPHC is equipped with most of the tools needed to perform these surgeries, and this is why the doctors at the public institution were able to conduct these specialised surgeries in the past. However, Dr Samaroo stressed that there is a great need for more equipment to correct the issue of the large number of patients on the waiting list.

He added that a number of local and overseas companies have placed bids to facilitate the GPHC with the much-needed instruments as well as implants necessary for the surgeries. The ball is now in the court of the relevant authorities, he posited.

Over 400 elderly persons feted at Botanical Gardens tea party

O

ver 400 elderly persons were treated to a tea party and concert on Saturday at the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown.

The event was organised by the Social Protection Ministry in collaboration with Commission of the Elderly to commemorate “The Month of the Elderly”.

The United Nations had designated this title to the month of October.

Themed “The journey to age equality”, elderly persons from 15 homes across the country were treated to an afternoon of entertainment, food, and talent displayed by the elderly persons themselves.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Administrative Assistant at the Social Protection Ministry, Colleen Roberts, explained that this event sought to recognise the talents, efforts, and contributions all elderly per-

First Lady Sandra Granger greeting some of the invitees at Saturday’s tea party

sons of Guyana made. She added that in recognition of the month, there have already been several activities held, and Saturday’s event was the penultimate one. It was followed by an activity in Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), on Sunday that featured only elderly women and marked the conclusion of the month of activities.

Meanwhile, Social

Protection Minister, Amna Ally stated that the elderly group is greatly valued, adding that the Ministry specifically pushed for the tea party so that all senior citizens across Guyana could be recognised, and not just a small group of elderly persons.

She encouraged the public to have respect for the elderly since they have made significant contributions not only to their families

but to the country as well.

The Minister added that Guyanese must be able to recognise the contributions of this group since they have passed on a lot and there is still much more to be learnt from them.

The invited senior citizens were all decked out in fancy attires while being entertained by the Guyana Police Band.

Among the officials present at Saturday’s tea party was First Lady, Sandra Granger.

Some of the elderly persons who attended the tea party at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, october 28, 2019

Regional

Argentine local media say Fernandez Chile protests: beats Macri in presidential vote – TV President sacks whole

A

rgentine local media, in a rapid response after polls closed on Sunday, said that Opposition Leader Alberto Fernandez had beaten conservative incumbent Mauricio Macri, ahead of official results coming out later in the evening.

Fernandez, a centre-left Peronist, had earlier thumped Macri in an August primary election and had been seen with an unassailable 20-point lead over the President in pre-election polls as an economic crisis gripped the country.

Local TV stations said that Fernandez had beaten Macri, and one said that he would win outright without the need for a second-round vote.

Fernandez’s party, which won an August primary election by a landslide, was also bullish.

“We improved our electoral performance from the primaries at a national and provincial level,” Santiago Cafiero, a spokesman for Fernandez’s Frente de Todos party, told reporters.

Polling stations shut at 18:00h (2100 GMT) on Sunday evening after a day of voting that was expected to shift the South American country back sharply towards the Peronist left.

People lined up outside polling sta-

Cabinet after protests

C

Argentine media called the presidential election in favour of Alberto Fernandez soon after polls closed on Sunday, a worrying early sign for conservative incumbent Mauricio Macri who trailed far behind his challenger in pre-election polls

tions around the country, in an overcast Buenos Aires, amid the Pampas farmlands and in the vineyards of Mendoza. The first official results are expected in a couple of hours.

The election pitted Macri’s tough-

love austerity against the “social contract” of the left-leaning Opposition, whose populism has lured voters, hurt badly by a snarling economic crisis.

Fernandez had a wide lead in pre-election polls. (Excerpt from Reuters)

hile's President Sebastian Piñera has dismissed his whole Cabinet in order to form a new government and introduce social reforms demanded by protesters.

"I have put all my ministers on notice in order to restructure my Cabinet to confront these new demands," he said.

It is not yet clear what form the reshuffle will take.

More than a million people joined a peaceful rally on Friday in the capital Santiago, calling for social justice.

Piñera said he had heard the demands from the streets.

"We are in a new reality," he said. "Chile is different from what it was a week ago."

The President also announced that a curfew imposed in cities across Chile a week

ago had been lifted.

The Opposition has called for an ongoing state of emergency to end too.

At least 17 people have been killed and hundreds injured since the anti-inequality protests began just over a week ago.

Friday's march came at the end of a week of violent clashes between activists and Riot Police.

The President tweeted on Friday: "We have all changed.

Today's joyful and peaceful march, in which Chileans have asked for a more just and unified Chile, opens hopeful paths into the future."

Santiago Governor Karla Rubilar said at least a million people had marched in the capital – more than five per cent of the country's population.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

IDB, regional development banks launch joint report on US to end scheduled flights to all liveable cities in the Caribbean

Cuban airports except Havana

T

he United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama.

The suspension, which goes into effect December 10, was announced by the Department of Transportation and affects nine airports on the island nation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked the Transportation Department for the suspension as a means to "further the Administration's policy of strengthening the economic consequences to the

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez

Cuban regime for its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its support for (President) Nicolas Maduro

in Venezuela".

The Trump Administration accuses Cuba of aiding and abetting crisis-wracked Venezuela, which is Havana's closest ally.

Cuba rejected the measure and vowed that it would fail, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stating that "concessions will not be taken from us".

Trump has moved to roll back steps toward normal relations and business ties that were established under Obama, who made moves to diminish five decades of Cold War tension and sanctions between the neighbours.

American, Delta and JetBlue airlines will be af-

fected by the deadline to halt operations to destinations such as Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, as well as Camaguey and the sprawling mega-resort of Varadero.

Cash-strapped Cuba depends heavily on tourism earnings to fund its Government, the only one-party Communist state in the Americas.

Havana already has trimmed its 2019 tourism target by 15 per cent to 4.3 million visitors.

The United States still maintains its economic embargo on Havana, which only can be ended by the US Congress. (Excerpt from AFP)

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has collaborated with the African Development Bank (AFDB); the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in launching a joint report on liveable cities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The IDB said the report, “Creating Livable Cities: Regional Perspectives”, looks at urbanisation trends across emerging and developing economies across the world.

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno on Friday took part in the launch of the publication at IDB headquarters in Washington, DC with the Presidents of the other three development banks: Akinwumi Adesina of AFDB, Suma Chakrabarti of EBRD

and Takehiko Nakao of ADB. The IDB said the world's urban population has grown from just 750 million in 1950 (or 31 per cent of the total population) to 4.2 billion in 2018 (55 per cent of the total population) – a number that is estimated to reach 5.2 billion in 2030 (60 per cent of the total population).

“While the majority of leading economic hubs are still in advanced economies, the centre of economic activity is moving toward the developing and emerging markets,” the report says.

It also points out that cities need large-scale investments to develop and maintain infrastructure and services, such as urban transport, water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management. (Excerpt from CMC)

Trinidad: Illegal quarry operators rob State of billions Uruguay election: Rising crime top concern for voters

T

he excavator's claws slash through the earth, ripping at layers of soil and sand until it hits white gravel. Like a giant steel insect, the excavator scoops up the mineral, then swings its bucket around to fill a line of 20-tonne dump trucks.

The material from this quarry in Orosco Road, Matura will be sold for millions of dollars to contractors, hardware stores ,and homeowners who will use it in construction projects across the country.

Even though this unnamed quarry – which encroaches on a sensitive turtle-nesting beach – is partly on State land, the Government will not receive a penny. That is because the Orosco Road operation is an

illegal quarry.

It's not the only one. The overwhelming majority of the sand and gravel quarries in the country are operating illegally or without licences.

A two-month Guardian Media investigation has discovered that: •Illegal quarries are robbing the nation's treasury of hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Instead, the money is being pocketed by private businessmen and criminal networks.

•The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, which is responsible for regulating quarries, and the Commissioner of State Lands, the enforcement agency, have virtually abandoned their mandates, allowing the quarry sector to

V

The overwhelming majority of the sand and gravel quarries in the country are operating illegally or without licences

turn into a free-for-all.

•As of March 31, 2018, licensed quarries owed the treasury outstanding royalties of $196,432,478.

Royalties are based on an honour system in which

operators self-declare how much aggregate they produce, a practice that encourages under-reporting.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

oters in Uruguay are going to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president, with rising crime a leading concern.

Outgoing President Tabaré Vázquez of the leftwing Broad Front coalition will not be running, as Presidents are prohibited from serving consecutive terms.

A referendum on tougher security measures will be held at the same time.

Its backers want to create a military-style National Guard.

No presidential candidate supports the proposals linked to the referendum and human rights groups have also raised concerns.

However, a recent survey by polling organisation Cifra

indicates it currently has 53 per cent support. It needs 50 per cent or more to pass.

In the presidential race, candidates must also receive at least 50 per cent of the vote to avoid a run-off on November 24.

All seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate will also be decided in the election.

The Broad Front coalition has governed Uruguay since 2005.

However, President Vázquez's approval rating has slumped to under 30 per cent, according to recent surveys, as opposed to 61 per cent at the end of his 20052010 term, when he was the country's first leftist leader.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, october 28, 2019

Around the World

Hong Kong protesters hurl petrol bombs after Police fire tear gas to clear rally

H

ong Kong anti-Government protesters set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs on Sunday, Police said, after riot Police fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse thousands in the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour-front hotel district.

The protesters, many in all-black clothing and facemasks now banned under a resurrected British colonial-era law, had gathered to denounce perceived Police brutality during more than four months of often-violent unrest in the Chinese-ruled city.

Riot Police stood by outside the Chungking Mansions high-rise warren of South Asian restaurants and backpacker hostels, shields and batons at the ready. Protesters shouted obscenities in colourful

17

A man runs among the tear gas during a protest in Hong Kong's tourism district of Tsim Sha Tsui, China, October 27, 2019

Cantonese at “black police”, referring to their perceived over-use of force.

“Fight for Hong Kong!” protesters shouted, “five demands, not one less”, a reference to demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into Police actions, among other things.

Police later moved away, leaving protesters, pedestrians and tourists alike to

take over the street under the neon lights. Then one water cannon moved in, firing high into the air and down side-streets.

Police said protesters later hurled petrol bombs at a police station in Sham Shui Po, northwest of Tsim Sha Tsui, and set fire to shops in Jordan, north along Nathan Road from the harbour. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: IS leader “dead after US raid” in Syria

T

he fugitive leader of the Islamic State (IS) group killed himself during a US military operation in north-west Syria, President Donald Trump has said.

Speaking from the White House, Trump said Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi detonated his suicide vest after fleeing into a tunnel, chased by US military dogs.

Baghdadi came to prominence in 2014, when he announced the creation of a "caliphate" in areas of Iraq and Syria.

IS carried out multiple atrocities that resulted in thousands of deaths.

The jihadist group imposed a brutal rule in the areas under its control and was behind many attacks around the world.

Although the US declared the "caliphate" defeated earlier this year, IS militants remain active in the region and elsewhere.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Baghdadi's death is a major victory for Trump as he faces heavy criticism for his decision to pull US troops out of northern Syria and fights an impeachment inquiry launched by Democrats.

In an unusual Sunday morning statement, Trump described the night-time operation in extraordinary detail, saying Baghdadi ran into a dead-end tunnel, "whimpering and crying and screaming" while being chased by military dogs.

Baghdadi killed himself and three of his children by igniting his suicide vest, Trump said, causing the tunnel to collapse. No US personnel were killed but one of the dogs was seriously injured in the explosion.

The blast mutilated Baghdadi's body but, according to the President, an on-site DNA test confirmed his identity. The special forces spent two hours in the area and gathered "highly sensitive material". (Excerpt from BBC News)

EU hopes to endorse Brexit delay to January 31 with earlier departure possible – sources Iraqi students join thousands

T

he 27 European Union countries that will remain after Brexit hope to agree today to delay Britain’s divorce until Jan 31 with an earlier departure possible should the factious UK Parliament ratify their separation deal, sources said.

Any postponement to Brexit can only be granted unanimously by the 27 and French objections have so far prevented a decision as Johnson spars with lawmakers over calling an early election.

The bloc will state that the extension, the third granted so Britain can sort

out its departure, will not be used to renegotiate the divorce treaty again and that London should not impede other essential work by the EU on projects from budgets to climate policies.

Should all the ambassadors agree, there will be a short period — less than 24 hours and possibly as little as several hours — during which national capitals could still object. If no issues are raised, the decision will take effect.

If Britain is still in the EU after Oct 31, the bloc will ask London to name a candidate for the new executive European

Commission, added the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. A new Commission, comprising one representative from every member state, is due to take over on Dec 1.

For the EU, the unprecedented loss of a member is a historic setback.

But the 27 are also deeply frustrated with the intractable divorce, which is sapping time, energy and political capital that should otherwise be spent on jump-starting economies and tackling security and other challenges. (Excerpt from Reuters)

in ongoing anti-Govt protests

I

raqi students have joined anti-Government protests in Baghdad as thousands stood fast in the capital's central Tahrir Square, defying a bloody crackdown that killed scores over the weekend and an overnight raid by security forces seeking to disperse them.

Several schools and universities decided to shut their doors, activists said Sunday, with some protesting on campus and others heading towards the main gathering spaces for rallies.

Young men had erected barricades on a bridge leading to the capital's fortified Green Zone against security

forces who continued to lob tear gas canisters towards them.

Medical and security sources said 77 people were wounded.

At least 74 Iraqis were killed on Friday and Saturday and hundreds wounded as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in a second wave of this month's protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's Government.

The protests are a continuation of the economically driven demonstrations that began in early October and turned deadly as security forces began cracking down

and using live ammunition.

About 231 people have been killed in October.

Parliament's only two Communist MPs and two lawmakers linked to former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced they were stepping down late on Sunday.

The Iraqi Communist Party had allied with Moqtada al-Sadr in the 2018 elections to form Saeroon, which on Saturday began a sit-in to back protests.

The move has left Abdel Mahdi more squeezed than ever, as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his Government. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Nyusi wins Mozambique presidential poll in landslide Lebanese protesters form

M

ozambique's incumbent President Filipe Nyusi has won 73 per cent of the votes in this month's presidential poll, the Electoral Commission said, securing a landslide victory in a contest Opposition parties say was marred by fraud and violence.

Ossufo Momade, the candidate for the main Opposition party and former rebel movement Renamo, trailed behind with 21.88 per cent of the vote, National Election Commission Chairman Abdul Carimo said at a news conference on Sunday.

It was hoped the October 15 presidential, legislative and provincial poll could set the seal on the fragile deal, designed to put a definitive end to four decades of violence between Frelimo and Renamo, but instead, the pact is at risk of falling apart as Opposition parties reject the results.

human chain across the country

T During his second five-year term, Filipe Nyusi, of the ruling Frelimo party, will be responsible for overseeing a gas boom led [Grant Lee Neuenburg/Reuters]

Frelimo said the elections were free and fair.

Nyusi was widely expected to triumph but not by such a large margin.

Daviz Simango, of the third-largest party the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), secured just over four per cent of the vote, with less than one per cent going to Mario Albino, who heads up smaller party AMUSI, according to the electoral body.

Simango said earlier on

Sunday that MDM sees the election outcome as "null and void", and demanded an audit of the process that it said was tarnished after electoral administration bodies manipulated the process from the outset.

Renamo has also already rejected the outcome after estimations based on numbers posted outside polling stations predicted a big win for Nyusi and Frelimo.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ens of thousands of Lebanese protesters have formed a human chain running north to south across the entire country to symbolise national unity amid a civil disobedience campaign against the Government.

Demonstrators on Sunday joined hands from Tripoli to Tyre, a 170-kilometre (105mile) chain running through the main protest hub in the capital, Beirut, as part of an unprecedented cross-sectarian mobilisation.

Tension has mounted in recent days between security forces and protesters, who are blocking roads and bringing the country to a standstill to press their demands for a complete overhaul of the political system.

Lebanon's reviled political elite has been defending a belated package of economic reforms and appeared willing to reshuf-

Lebanese protesters hold hands to form a human chain along the coast from north to south as a symbol of unity

fle the Government but protesters - who have been in the streets since October 17 - want more.

On foot, by bicycle and on motorbikes, demonstrators and volunteers fanned out along the main north-south highway.

The leaderless protest movement, driven mostly by a young generation of men and women born after the 1975-1990 civil war, has even been described by some as the birth of a Lebanese

civic identity.

Protesters have been demanding the removal of the entire ruling class. Many of the political heavyweights are former militia leaders seen as representing little beyond their own sectarian or geographical community.

The protesters see them as corrupt and incompetent and have so far dismissed measures proposed by the political leadership to quell the protests. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, OCTOber 28, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Concentrate on what you want to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to do things differently. Your unique approach will draw interest and secure approval and support.

Romance is on the rise.

Keep busy. Work toward something that will broaden your awareness and encourage you to look ahead.

Refuse to let someone rain on your parade or play mind games with you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Get involved. What you do to help others will end up being to your advantage.

Someone you encounter will offer valuable information that will bring about positive lifestyle changes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY’S

Physical activity should be a priority. Listen to what others have to say, but don’t believe everything you hear.

Choose to do your own thing instead of getting involved in a joint venture.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Look at the big picture and take things down a notch. Know your capabilities and reserve something substantial to use as a wild card. Intelligence and experience will help you come out ahead.

A change is encouraged.

Consider what you want, and make a proposal that’s hard to refuse. Your wit, candor and charm will draw attention and help you get what you want.

saturday’s PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t get angry when you can get moving. Think about what’s happening and broaden your options. It’s up to you to make things happen. Don’t wait for someone to make a decision for you.

Embrace what life has to offer. Don’t get sidetracked by the actions of others. Do things your way and make adjustments that ease your stress. Romance is encouraged.

Helping others is a nice gesture, but before you commit to doing something, find out exactly what’s expected of you. Someone’s motives appear to be shady or impractical.

Discuss your intentions with someone who could be instrumental in helping you reach your goal. A positive change is heading your way, and preparation will be essential.

Stay focused on what you must achieve. Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you. A sensitive issue should be handled delicately. Mull over your options before you respond.

If you are direct and you keep things simple, you will make headway.

Negotiations and contracts are favored, and promises can be made. Romance is in the stars.

MONday, october 28, 2019

19

NBA roundup: Heat survive Bucks in OT R

eserve guard Goran Dragic had a team-high 25 points — including six in overtime — and eight assists as the Miami Heat rallied and then survived the host Milwaukee Bucks 131-126 on Saturday night.

The Bucks sent the game to overtime on a put-back by Giannis Antetokounmpo just a split-second before the regulation buzzer.

Antetokounmpo had rebounded an air ball by Khris Middleton to tie the score 121-121.

Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s reigning MVP, fouled out with 2:31 left in overtime, finishing with 29 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks. But he also committed eight turnovers, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and fouled out for his second straight game.

Earlier in the game, Milwaukee blew a 21-point third-quarter lead, as Miami seemingly took control. The Heat had a nine-point lead with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter. But Miami missed three straight free throws with 3.3 seconds left — one by Bam Adebayo and two by Justise Winslow, setting the stage for Antetokounmpo’s dramatic put-back.

Rockets 126, Pelicans 123 Russell Westbrook surpassed Magic Johnson in career tripledoubles, and host Houston held on to beat short-handed New Orleans.

Westbrook notched 28 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists for his 139th triple-double, moving past Johnson for second place in NBA history. His two free throws with 6.1 seconds left built the lead to three.

Brandon Ingram was exceptional for the Pelicans, who played without guard Jrue Holiday (knee). Ingram paired 35 points with 15 rebounds, both game-highs, and added five assists. He received support from

Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) reaches for a loose ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill (3) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum (USA Today)

Lonzo Ball (18 points, 10 assists) and JJ Redick (14 points).

76ers 117, Pistons 111 Tobias Harris had 29 points and Al Horford tossed in 23 points, including a late flurry that lifted visiting Philadelphia over Detroit.

Both sides were missing key players. Sixers All-Star center Joel Embiid sat out with a right ankle sprain. Pistons All-Star forward Blake Griffin (hamstring, knee) remained sidelined, and starting point guard Reggie Jackson (sore back) joined him in street clothes.

Horford also contributed nine rebounds and five assists. Ben Simmons posted 13 points, 10 assists and seven steals, and Mike Scott added 17 points off the bench, including five 3-point makes. Derrick Rose carried the Pistons with 31 points off the bench.

Suns 130, Clippers 122 Devin Booker had 30 points and eight assists, and Frank Kaminsky

had 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists off the bench as host Phoenix beat Los Angeles to break a 12-game losing streak in the series.

Kelly Oubre Jr. had 20 points and made all nine of his free-throw attempts, and Dario Saric had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who have split two games since center Deandre Ayton was suspended Thursday for 25 games for violating the NBA/NBPA anti-drug program.

Kawhi Leonard had 27 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, and Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams combined for 51 points off the bench for the Clippers, who were attempting to become the first team in the league to three victories.

Hawks 103, Magic 99 Trae Young had 39 points, seven rebounds and nine assists to lead Atlanta to a win against visiting Orlando.

Kevin Huerter and Jabari Parker scored 10 points each off the bench, and John Collins finished with nine

points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta.

Evan Fournier scored 23 points, Nikola Vucevic had 16 points and 10 rebounds, D.J. Augustin scored 14 and Markelle Fultz had 12 off the bench for the Magic.

Celtics 118, Knicks 95 Marcus Smart scored 12 points off the bench, including a 3-pointer during an 8-0 Boston run to start the fourth quarter, and the Celtics pulled away to defeat host New York.

Kemba Walker had a game-high 32 points, a majority of them on seven made 3-pointers, as the Celtics overcame a horrible start to sweep a back-to-back sequence that began with a home win over Toronto on Friday.

RJ Barrett went for 26 points for the Knicks, who lost their home opener after tipping off the season with a pair of defeats on the road.

Barrett and Julius Randle combined for 12 points when the Knicks, coming off a 113-109 loss at Brooklyn on Friday night, blitzed the Celtics early with a 16-4 run to open the game.

Jazz 113, Kings 81 Bojan Bogdanovic scored 23 of his 26 points in the first half to help Utah roll to a whipping of visiting Sacramento in Salt Lake City.

Donovan Mitchell added 15 points and Mike Conley recorded 12 points and eight assists for the Jazz. Utah shot 56.4 percent from the field and drained 18 of 37 3-point attempts.

Bogdanovic made five and the 18 makes fell two shy of the franchise record, accomplished twice last season.

Dewayne Dedmon scored 11 points for Sacramento, which dropped to 0-3 under new coach Luke Walton. Bogdan Bogdanovic — no relation to Bojan — added 10 points for the Kings.

Cavaliers 110, Pacers 99 Kevin Love came one assist shy of a triple-double, Tristan Thompson scored 25 points, and host Cleveland held off a late rally to beat Indiana.

Cleveland led almost wire-to-wire, building an advantage that swelled to as many as 24 points.

The front-court duo of Love and Thompson set the tone, with Love registering 21 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, and Thompson posting a double-double with 13 rebounds. His team-high 25 points included his first career 3-pointer.

Spurs 124, Wizards 122 DeMar DeRozan connected from short range with 5.5 seconds remaining to break the 10th tie of the fourth quarter, giving host San Antonio a victory over Washington.

Derrick White blocked Bradley Beal’s buzzer-beating runner in the lane, preserving the Spurs’ second straight win to open the season.

The loss capped a 1-2 seasonopening trip for the Wizards, who were playing the second night of a back-to-back after winning at Oklahoma City on Friday.

Raptors 108, Bulls 84 Pascal Siakam scored 19 points, and Serge Ibaka added 18 to lead five players in double figures and boost visiting Toronto to a victory against Chicago.

OG Anunoby chipped in 17 points for the Raptors, Fred VanVleet had 16 and Kyle Lowry had 11.

Chicago, which scored 235 total points in its first two games, struggled offensively throughout its home opener. Wendell Carter Jr. led Chicago with 12 points, while Zach LaVine followed with 11. Carter Jr. added a game-high 11 rebounds. (Reuters)

Warner’s birthday hundred leads Aussies to huge win

D

avid Warner hit his maiden Twenty20 international century as Australia demolished Sri Lanka by 134 runs.

Warner’s unbeaten 100 came from 95 balls as the Aussies blasted 233-2 from their 20 overs in Adelaide.

Sri Lanka could only manage 99-9 in reply as the Australia bowlers ripped into them, with all-rounder Dasun Shanaka top scoring on 17.

“It obviously means a lot,” said left-handed opener Warner, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday.

“It is a good milestone... we put a great total on the board and it was always going to be difficult to chase in Australia.”

Warner, who endured a difficult Test summer in England with the bat, was supported well by skipper Aaron Finch (64), with

whom he shared an opening stand of 122, and Glenn Maxwell’s (62), with whom he added 107 as the Aussies posted an imposing total - the fourth highest in their T20 history.

Spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with 3-14, while pacemen Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins

David Warner celebrates his maiden T20 century (Getty Images)

took two wickets each a s Lasith Malinga’s

return

as

Sri

Lanka captain turned into a disaster.

Malinga went for 37 runs in four wicketless overs while his batsmen rolled over, six of them failing to reach double figures.

The veteran pace bowler said his bowlers could not find the “right line and length” and struggled on the drop-in Adelaide Oval pitch.

“I think all the players played the drop-in pitch for the first time and they didn’t know [the] behaviour of the wicket,” Malinga added.

“But still this is not an excuse. We have to adjust to those conditions.”

The second of their three T20 internationals takes place on Wednesday at the Gabba in Brisbane. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

Australia Innings (20 overs maximum) AJ Finch (c) c Mendis b Sandakan 64 DA Warner not out 100 GJ Maxwell c †Perera b Shanaka 62 AJ Turner not out 1 Extras (nb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 11.65) 233-2 Did not bat: SPD Smith, AT Carey †, AC Agar, PJ Cummins, MA Starc, KW Richardson, A Zampa Fall of wickets: 1-122 (Aaron Finch, 10.5 ov), 2-229 (Glenn Maxwell, 19.3 ov) BOWLING : SL Malinga (4-0-370), CAK Rajitha (4-0-75-0), N Pradeep (4-0-28-0), P Sandakan (4-0-41-1), P de Silva (3-0-42-0) MD Shanaka (1-0-10-1) Sri Lanka Innings (target: 234 runs from 20 overs) MD Gunathilaka c Warner b Cummins 11 BKG Mendis c Turner b Starc 0

PBB Rajapaksa b Cummins 2 MDKJ Perera † b Starc 16 BOP Fernando b Agar 13 MD Shanaka c Richardson b Zampa 17 P de Silva run out (Maxwell/†Carey) 5 P Sandakan c Agar b Zampa 6 SL Malinga (c) not out 13 CAK Rajitha st †Carey b Zampa 0 N Pradeep not out 8 Extras (lb 6, nb 1, w 1) 8 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 4.95) 99-9 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Kusal Mendis, 0.5 ov), 2-13 (Danushka Gunathilaka, 3.3 ov), 3-13 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 3.4 ov), 4-46 (Oshada Fernando, 9.2 ov), 5-50 (Kusal Perera, 10.3 ov), 6-71 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 13.6 ov), 7-71 (Dasun Shanaka, 14.2 ov), 8-82 (Lakshan Sandakan, 16.3 ov), 9-83 (Kasun Rajitha, 16.6 ov) BOWLING: MA Starc (4-0-182), KW Richardson (4-0-21-0), PJ Cummins (4-0-27-2), A Zampa (4-0-14-3), AC Agar (4-0-13-1)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

MONday, october 28, 2019

L

iverpool needed two second-half goals to come from behind to beat Tottenham at Anfield and restore their six-point lead at the top of the table.

Harry Kane scored within 48 seconds of kick-off and keeper Paulo Gazzaniga pulled off a number of impressive saves to give Spurs a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Jordan Henderson equalised six minutes after the break before Mo Salah thumped the winner from the penalty spot.

Liverpool’s unbeaten run at home extends to 45 league games.

In a repeat of June’s Champions League final, Liverpool came out victorious and have dropped just two points in the Premier League this season.

They were made to work for it - needing several big chances to score before Henderson eventually slotted his half-volley into the far corner early in the second half.

That came moments after Son Heung-min had smacked the crossbar for the second time in the match his first effort was nodded

Liverpool recover to beat Spurs in by Kane from seven yards out for the opener.

But Liverpool’s pressure eventually took its toll when Serge Aurier caught the back of Sadio Mane’s leg and gave away a penalty, which

a Premier League away game for the first time since February and would have beaten Norwich by more if not for two Tim Krul penalty saves.

United’s two first-half

Anthony Martial from close range.

The video assistant referee (VAR) then controversially awarded United a penalty for a Ben Godfrey foul on Daniel James - with Krul

Mo Salah scored a penalty in June’s Champions League final win over Tottenham (Getty Images)

to seventh in the Premier league - were awarded a second penalty by VAR for a Todd Cantwell handball.

This time Martial took it and went the other way, and again Krul guessed correctly.

The Canaries, who remain in the relegation zone, had a couple of chances but United wrapped the game up when Martial clipped the ball over Krul after a good passing move with Rashford.

Norwich scored a late consolation through substitute Onel Hernandez, who took the ball off McTominay before running at United’s defence and shooting past David de Gea to becoming the first Cuban-born player to score a Premier League goal.

Arsenal surrender 2-goal lead

Salah smashed past a stationary Gazzaniga with 15 minutes left.

Man Utd cruise to victory

Manchester United won

goals came moments after outstanding Krul stops.

Scott McTominay slammed home the opener seconds after a stunning reaction save from the Canaries keeper to deny

stopping Marcus Rashford’s kick.

But Rashford scored with United’s next attack as he was left in acres of space by the Norwich defence.

United - who move up

Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka was involved in an angry confrontation with his own supporters as Crystal Palace came from two goals down to earn a point in an ill-tempered atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were two up inside nine minutes as

Roger Federer cruises to 10th Swiss Indoors title in Basel R

oger Federer captured his 10th Swiss Indoors crown with an emphatic 6-2 6-2 victory over Alex de Minaur.

The 38-year-old Swiss maestro extended his winning run to 24 matches in the event and sealed his 103rd ATP title.

He broke twice to take the first set in 34 minutes against the world number 28, playing his only sixth ATP final.

Federer, competing in his 157th ATP final, duly sealed victory in one hour eight minutes against the Australian, 20, for his fourth title of the season.

De Minaur was also seeking his fourth title of the season and atRoger tempting Federer to become was playing in his 13th the first consecutive Australian Swiss final, winner of the his 15th Swiss event, overall (AFP)

which was first played in 1970.

But he had no answer to the composed brilliance of Federer, who broke for the first time in the fourth game with a perfectly controlled overhead.

Federer then produced a majestic forehand, followed by an ace down the T-line, to move three games ahead in the second set and serenely completed his fifth Swiss triumph in the past six years.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner, who first reached the Swiss final in 2000, is now only six short of the ATP record for singles titles, held by Jimmy Connors.

In his first meeting with De Minaur, Federer converted four of 10 break points and did not drop serve in a superb performance, which included prevailing in a 39-stroke rally.

“I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we both can be very happy,” he said. “But what a mom e n t

for me to win my 10th here in my hometown of Basel. I made very few unforced errors and came up with the big shots and served well when I had to.”

In the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, Austrian top seed Dominic Thiem won his fifth tournament of 2019 when he fought back to defeat Argentine Diego Schwartzman 3-6 6-4 6-3.

The 26-year-old world number five won in two hours 25 minutes for his 16th ATP title. (BBC Sport)

Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz took advantage of poor defending at corners - but it was all downhill from there for Arsenal and manager Unai Emery.

Palace pulled one back before half-time when Luka Milivojevic scored from the spot following a VAR intervention after referee Martin Atkinson had initially shown Wilfried Zaha a yellow card for diving in a tangle with Calum Chambers.

And Palace were level seven minutes after the break when Jordan Ayew headed in James McArthur’s cross at the far post.

The game turned toxic just after the hour when Xhaka was substituted to roars of delight from Arsenal’s fans, the newly-appointed captain reacting angrily to jeers at his slow departure by waving and cupping his ear sarcastically to the home support, exchanging words before taking off his shirt and disappearing down the tunnel.

Arsenal’s frustration was summed up when a late strike by Sokratis was ruled out for a foul by Chambers on Gary Cahill. (BBC Sport)

Spectators were allowed back on the course on Sunday following torrential rain (Getty Images)

Zozo Championship: Tiger Woods extends lead in Japan

T

iger Woods moved closer to a record-equalling 82nd PGA Tour victory on Sunday after taking a threeshot lead at the weather-delayed Zozo Championship in Japan.

The 15-time major champion finished the day on 18 under par after playing for 10 hours, completing his third round and 11 holes of the fourth.

Play was postponed on Friday because of rain and will conclude on Monday.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy moved into fifth place.

Woods, making his first appearance since knee surgery in August, extended his lead over Hideki Matsuyama having started the day two shots ahead.

He did not get off to the best start on Sunday in the third round, three-putting at the first, but he went on to card six birdies to stay in front.

Following the third round, all players then began their final rounds immediately in a bid to catch up on lost time because of

Friday’s play being postponed.

Woods played until the 11th hole when play had to be abandoned due to poor light.

“I played all right,” said Woods. “I made a few mistakes here and there. Pretty pleased with most of the day and I made birdies when I had opportunities.”

Asked about matching Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour wins, Woods added: “I’m trying to win, no doubt about that.”

McIlroy had a nightmare 72 on the first day but a 65 on Saturday was followed by a superb 63 in the third round, equalling the low round of the week, including six birdies and an eagle at the 18th. In the fourth round he completed 16 holes, finishing the day on 11 under par, seven shots behind Woods.

Round two had to be held over to Saturday when six inches of rain fell, and the PGA then said fans could not attend Saturday’s play because of “safety concerns”.

It is the first PGA tournament to be staged in Japan. (BBC Sport)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, october 28, 2019

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‘Politics’ prevented Pollard from becoming Windies Captain sooner – Sir Viv L

egendary former West Indies captain, Sir overhaul of the management of the men’s side identified the leadership qualities in Pollard from Vivian Richards, has endorsed Kieron with fellow Trinidadian Phil Simmons named as as early as 2013, when he saw him in the inauguPollard’s appointment as white-ball skip- head coach for the second time in four years. ral CPL season. per and believes “politics with the last regime” An aggressive lower order bats“When I first saw him in the first CPL tourprevented the Trinidadian from assuming the po- man who has specialised in the T20 nament we had in the region, he was in my sition sooner. format, Pollard will bring opinion the best captain, no disrespect to The 32-year-old Pollard was elevated to the plenty experience to the Carlos and [people] like that,” Sir Viv said. position last month and next week leaves the role having led Barbados “Carlos is a very highly competitive inCaribbean with the Windies for his first chal- Tridents for five years dividual and would have won us a lenge, when they take on dangerous Afghanistan during the Caribbean Premier World Cup off his bat but he was put in India from November 5-18 in three League, and overseen their capin that position for political reasons One-Day Internationals and three ture of the title in 2014. and I think he would understand that as Twenty20s.

He also led St Lucia well because I think he is very sensible “I’ve always felt he should have Stars last season and this and knowledgeable. been [appointed] a bit earlier,” the year took over as captain “So I have no issues with Kieron 67-year-old Sir Vivian, who never of his native Trinbago Pollard. I believe he brings invenlost a Test series as captain, told the Knight Riders aftiveness and is proactive more Line and Length cricket podcast. ter injury ruled than anything else which I “I guess the politics with the all-rounder Dwayne think can help at times.” last regime and the things Bravo out of the enOnly recently, Pollard inthat obviously went down in tire campaign. dicated he would not tolerate India, and some of these Sir Viv said insularity in selection during guys in my opinion were he had his tenure and Sir Viv said blacklisted from playing he was in full agreement with the role that they should the new captain’s position. and helping to move the “I’ve always been of the team forward, and I feeling that you try and pick think because of those the best team that you see repolitical issues, it didn’t gardless of where the individquite help the progress.” uals may come from, the best Pollard replaced team that you see possible all-rounder Jason that can represent you,” Sir Holder as one-day capViv stressed. tain and all-rounder “That’s the way I’ve alCarlos Brathwaite at the ways looked at it. The insuhelm of the T20 squad, larity factor in my opinion Sir Vivan Richards and Kieron Pollard share a light moment in this file photo and was part of a major was null and void.” (CMC)

More waiting for injured Chinaman bowler Amrit Dass Elaine Thompson seeking to capture West Indies Team prospect…

selectors’ attention

L

eft-arm chinaman bowlers in the Caribbean are a rare find; thus Trinidad and Tobago’s Amrit Sachin Dass, a 16-year-old cricketer who apparently has a blooming career ahead of him, has been one of the brightest prospects for selection to the West Indies Team; and he continues to perform exceptionally, although he has generally been ignored at the national youth level.

Amrit Dass came through the ranks of the under-13s and under-15s, having begun his career at the age of seven, when his father introduced him to the gentleman’s game. Cricket has been a rich heritage in the Dass family, and Amrit’s father, Adesh Dass, had had opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago.

Amrit Dass joined the Harvard Coaching Clinic and began prospering as a young talent, being a very rare wrist spinner. After he had developed the basics, he toured England in a 21-day stint. He returned there during the Taunton Under-17 Festival and grabbed 4-10 in eight overs playing against a strong London Combined School Team.

After continuous training, Dass travelled to Barbados, where he featured in the Sir Garfield Sobers Under-20 Tournament. In what he describes as his most memorable performance, he bagged 14 wickets in four games, with a best bowling figure of 5-43 taken in 10 overs; and supplemented that performance with 4-30 in 10 overs in a consistent effort. After such a stellar performance, Dass finished the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers international tournament as the leading wicket-taker.

Dass, who has said he enjoys watching Kuldeep Yadav and Brad Hogg bowl, has earned selection to the Masterclass team from some of cricket’s greats: Sir Everton Weeks, Charlie Griffith and Sir Garfield Sobers himself.

With wrist spinners dominating cricket around the globe, Dass is a bright prospect who should be given his opportunity at the National level, and gain further exposure to the higher standard of cricket. (Brandon Corlette) Amrit Sachin Dass

I

njured Jamaican sprinter, double Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson will not know what her recovery will look like for another two weeks.

According to reports out of Jamaica, the Jamaica Gleaner in particular, Thompson, who had to pull out of the 200-metres and the 4x100-metre relay at the recently held IAAF World Championships of Athletics in Doha, Qatar, will be

advised in two weeks time.

At the moment, Thompson is wearing an orthopaedic boot on her left leg to mitigate against further damage to her calf and achilles, which have plagued her for the last year and a half.

President of the MVP Track Club, Bruce James, says the boot is just precautionary and that his organization, where Thompson trains, will not be making any statements until the medical team has advised them of what the proposal for recovery will be.

Even though there is some uncertainty about the length of recovery time and whether or not there is a permanent fix for Thompson’s achilles problems, the athlete, is optimistic that her focus will get her into the type of shape to give her a good chance of defending her two Olympic titles.

“Elaine is determined to get back to her very best. She is taking all the necessary steps to make sure that she is at her best for the Tokyo Olympics,” said James.

(Sportsmax)

Elaine Thompson pulled out of the recently-held IAAF World Championship

22

MONday, october 28, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

BM Soat/GSSF annual Costume Match promises to be entertaining

Munesh Ramsaywack, Supervisor of the Marketing Department (left), hands over sponsorship funds to GSSF Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and Director, Andrew Phang in the presence of GSSF Secretary Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

F

or the fourth consecutive year, BM Soat Auto Sales supported the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) in their Annual Costume Shooting Match.

This themed competition has once again been

exclusively sponsored by BM Soat Auto Sales and is expected to be an exciting one yet again.

Over the years, members turned out in their costumes, with appearances from Pocahontas, The Joker, Superman, Cowboys, Hondo,

Magic Mike, Contractors and construction workers, Arrow, Super Girl, a Farmer, Racer, a Cricketer, a Biker, the Black Panther, Lara Croft, the Gold Tooth Gangster, a Rifle Shooter and even Count Dracula risked the afternoon sun last year to come out and participate, all doing so within the safety confines of the sport.

This year the match is bound to be even more exciting with invited participants expected to once again take part donning costumes of their liking, hats, wigs, paint, garb but will have to be within the safety confines of the sport.

Four exciting Steel Challenge stages are expected to be set up under stringent security at the GDF Timehri Range and participants will fall under two divisions, Limited and Production. Prizes will be awarded to the top three shooters in each division and medals for a special category of Unclassified Beginner.

GSSF directors met at the showroom of B.M Soat Auto Sales, located at Lot 9 Croal Street, Georgetown.

Guyana Open 2019 Day 1 recap T

Joaan Deo

he excitement in the air was almost electric, as eager golfers teed off at 7:30 am to prove their excellence after months of competition and training to climax in this phenomenal 2-day Guyana Open 2019, which began on Saturday October 26.

The ‘A’ or 0 – 9 handicap ‘Championship’ Flight produced 1st day’s net results of three former Guyana Open champions Alfred Mentore 66/9, Avinda Kishore 68/4 and Avinash Persaud (current champion) 69/2, followed sharply by Kassim Khan 72/8, Aleem Hussain 72/8, Mike Mangal (former GO champion) 73/9, Andrew De Jesus 74/9 and Monnaf Arjune 74/9. The Day’s Best Net scorer was Mentore, while Persaud was the Best Gross scorer.

In the 10 – 18 category, best scores came from Rakesh Harry 65/18, Lakram Ramsundar 70/14, Ayube Subhan 70/14, Patanjilee Persaud 70/14, Satrohan Tiwari 70/16, Aasrodeen Shaw 71/13, Guillermo Escarraga 73/18 and George Bulkan 73/16.

Rakesh won both the Best Net and Best Gross score for this Flight for the day.

The 19 – 28 handicap Flight top scores came from Imtiaz Subhan 68/22, Philbert London 69/21, Jordi Pinol 73/28, Miguel Oviedo 78/28 and Mario Acuna 86/28. Best Net scorer was Subhan while Best Gross was Dr London (he and Subhan tied for gross scores, but he won on the count back).

In the Seniors Flight competitive scores came from Tulsieram Persaud 71/24, Maurice Solomon 74/25, Abdool Azeez 81/25 and Robert Hanoman 86/28.

Persaud won both the Best Net and Best Gross scores.

In the Ladies category the three former Guyana Open champions tied for a gross 89 and led the way; Joaan Deo 74/15, Shanella London 75/14, and Christine Sukhram (current champion) 78/11 followed

by Julia Stevenson 80/11, Eureka Giddings 82/28 and Errin Mitchell 86/28. Deo won both Best Net and Best Gross on the countback.

Longest Drive was won by Parmanand Persaud, whole Nearest the Pin was won by Kassim Khan.

Pictures are of some of the day’s top performers Pix 1: Kishore, Mentore and Persaud. Pix 2 – Imtiaz Subhan. Pix 3 – Joaan Deo. Pix 4 – Lakram Ramsundar, Christine Sukhram and Alfred Mentore.

4th EBFA/Ralph Green Under-11 League…

Riddim Squad & Vurlon Mills Academy to battle for top honours

A

new champion would be crowned when the 4th edition of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League, sponsored by USA-based Guyanese Ralph Green, comes to an end. The final game in this league is set for play on Saturday, November 2, at the GFF’s National Training Centre at Providence, EBD. Semi-final games played last Saturday, October 26, have resulted in the Vurlon Mills Academy trouncing Kuru Kururu Warriors 5-0 in the first encounter, and defending champions Timehri Panthers being defeated 2-0 by a confident Riddim Squad outfit in the second encounter.

The young Kuru Kururu Warriors were apparently affected by some negative circumstance and were not in a mood to war, thus they fell prey to the consistent offensive manoeuvres of the Vurlon Mills Academy lads.

Shackel Marshall announced the presence of the rampant Vurlon Mills team by a goal scored in the sev-

Shackel Marshall netted the opening goal for Vurlon Mills Academy against KK Warriors in Saturday’s action

enth minute, and Malcolm Hendricks doubled their advantage when he rocked the Kuru Kururu net one minute later.

At the halfway mark it was a 2-0 advantage for the Mills Academy, who maintained the pressure on a hapless Kuru Kururu side when Romario La Rose increased the advantage in the 19th minute, and Negus Frank (21) and Shaquille Dalrymple (22) sealed the deal as the Mills team marched into the championship match.

The Vurlon Mills Academy will come up against the Mocha-based Riddim Squad, whose lads are a well-oiled unit that constitute a formidable and well-respected opponent. Both teams have played unbeaten to date, but one will surely end with a loss on the final day.

Defending champions Timehri Panthers found it beyond their ability to keep the Riddim Squad team at bay for long. The deadlock was broken in the 13th minute by a Matthew Murray

goal, and the deal was sealed in the 22nd minute when Riddim Squad’s leading scorer Jaheam Lewis netted his fourth goal of the tournament.

The third place match-up will be played at the GFF’s National Training Centre at Providence on Saturday from 09:00hrs, and the finale will be played at the same venue from 09:45hrs.

Sponsor Ralph Green is scheduled to return to Guyana to witness both matches and participate in the presentation ceremony following the matches.

Apart from replica trophies that would be presented to members of the two top teams, the third- and fourth-placed teams would receive medals, while the Most Disciplined Player, Best Goal Keeper, Most Promising Player, Top Goal Scorer, and the Most Valuable Player would receive plaques.

The person adjudged the Best Coach as well as the team receiving the Sportsmanship Award would also each receive a prize.

Neil Barry, UWI to conduct free U-19 fast-bowling camp

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uyana Jaguars and Barbados Tridents Sports Physiotherapist and Performance Enhancement Specialist, Neil Barry Jr., will -- in conjunction with the University of the West Indies -- conduct an elite performance training programme for aspiring fast bowlers.

Blooming pacers between the ages of 14 years and 19 years can apply to participate in this elite performance training programme, which is free of cost and will be run for six weeks, with bowling speeds being tested before and after the training period.

Interested participants and their parents are invited to attend a briefing session at the Malteenoes Sports Club today, October 28 (a national holiday) from 13:00hrs, to receive detailed information.

From this session, as many as 60 participants would be selected to participate in the programme, which is expected to begin on October 31. Interested participants can receive further information by contacting 653-5491 or 618-0853.

Neil Barry

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, october 28, 2019

Hemraj withdraws from T10 cricket

23

– to focus on 50-over cricket

Chandrapaul Hemraj receiving his Player-of-the-Match award in the 2018 Super50 Cup

By Brandon Corlette

C

ricketers the world over gravitate towards T10 and T20 leagues, but Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW)/Guyana Jaguars opening batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj has withdrawn from the T10 League in Abu Dhabi -- which is scheduled for play from November 14 to November 24 – in order to focus on the Super50 tournament scheduled for November 6.

In an exclusive interview

with this publication, this patriot disclosed that 50-over cricket is more important for his career at the moment.

“I must thank the Deccan Gladiators (T10 Team) for picking me in the draft. It would have been a great opportunity for me, but I think 50-over cricket is more important for my career at this moment. The main goal for me in this tournament is ‘consistency throughout’, that’s something I have been striving for recently,” Hemraj explained.

This 26-year-old, who

has played six One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the West Indies, highlighted that he has been putting in the hard work to achieve his goal.

Sharing his sentiments on a possible West Indies recall, Hemraj had this to say: “I believe if I keep putting in the hard work and scores, I will (get the recall).

That’s been my dream from day one”.

This left-hander has been one of the brightest prospects in the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), having scored 299 runs for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Reflecting on his CPL, he declared it was a decent season for him. He had a top-score of 66, with two halfcenturies to his credit.

“I think it’s been a good CPL for me. I would have liked to convert some more of the starts I got, but, overall, I think I had a pretty decent one”, Hemraj noted.

Hemraj had suffered a hamstring injury playing in the CPL final, but he has been recovering.

“Rehab has been really going well. I have been working along with Neil Barry. I’m supposed to be 100% fit before

the tournament (Super50); and hopefully, this injury doesn’t occur again”, Hemraj explained.

Hemraj now plays with a higher back-lift, and is showing more power in his strokes. He revealed that it has been an area he has worked on.

“I’ve always been putting in the work on my batting. I changed my back-lift a little just to get some more power and bat flow into my shots,” he explained.

T h e flamboyant Hemraj has played 25 ‘List A’ matches since making h i s debut in 2018, a n d has since been an integral part of the Jaguars’ white-ball unit. He notched up a brilliant unbeaten 103* which remains his high-score in ‘List A’ cricket, and he has also recorded two halfcenturies.

Hemraj wears National colours at the First Class level,

and has 25 First Class matches to his credit, having scored seven halfcenturies a n d one daddy hundred. His career best high-score of 144 in Firstclass matches came against a star-studded Barbados Pride which featured some West Indies players, including World Number oneranked Jason Holder.

Also a useful left-arm spinner, in the recent Hero CPL tourney, Hemraj recorded his T20 best figures of 3-15 against Trinbago Knight Riders.

His bowling in the CPL will be remembered by the occasion when he struck gold with a firstball wicket.

Hailing from the East Coast of Demerara, Hemraj will continue to work towards his lifelong dream of again representing the maroon colours.

Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 tournament…

Selection to CCC Marooners squad means a lot for Akshaya Persaud

By Brandon Corlette

G

uyana Jaguars’ First Class player Akshaya Persaud has been named in the squad of the Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC) Marooners for the Colonial Medical Insurance Regional Super50 tournament that will bowl off on November 6.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, this 22-year-old left-handed batsman declared that this selection presents him with another opportunity to showcase his talent.

“Firstly, I would like to thank God for this opportunity. This selection means a lot to me.

I’ve been getting in a lot of work over the past months, and it’s good to see there’s some progression moving forward”, Persaud disclosed.

Having been involved with the Guyana Jaguars training setup over the past years, Persaud has had previous opportunities to showcase his abilities in two first-class matches. He

explained that training with the Jaguars in the morning hours, then heading to the gym after lunch, then getting in some more practice is a lot of work and sacrifice he has made.

Persaud is the lone Guyanese in the CCC squad, and he will have to adapt to a different environment in his quest to succeed.

“I had to make some quick adjustments because it’s a different environment here, but everything is going well so far. Being the youngest player in the team, I would try to learn as much as possible from the coaches and senior players in the team”, he told this reporter.

Persaud has been involved in trials in Trinidad and Tobago and in Barbados, hence his being selected. The former West Demerara captain, who played in the previous Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) Franchise league, has had decent outings with both bat and ball.

Hailing from Cornelia Ida

on the West Coast of Demerara, Persaud made his First Class debut for the Jaguars in 2018 by playing one match against Jamaica in Kingston, and a subsequent match against Trinidad and Tobago. He will be rubbing shoulders with some experienced and promising players in the CCC Marooners team as

Akshaya Persaud was once part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors outfit

they look to defend their title. This CCC Marooners team will be led by axed West Indies player Carlos Brathwaite, with Pedro Collins as its Head Coach.

The Regional

Super50 tourney will bowl off on November 6, with CCC commencing their title defence against Leeward Islands in St Kitts. The Marooners squad is as follows: Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Drakes, Akshaya Persaud, Akeem Jordan, Romaine Morris, Ojay Shields,

Abhijai Mansingh, Sadique Henry, Odain McCatty, Paul Palmer, Kavesh Kantasingh, Jarlarnie Seales, Larry Joseph, Pedro Collins (Head Coach), Robert Samuels (Assistant Coach), Shane Lewis (Manager), Kwayne Dalrymple (Physiotherapist), Avenesh Seetaram (Video Analyst).

MONday, october 28, 2019

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