Guyana Times, Monday 2 December, 2019.

“Iwokrama must change to survive” – President P12

…says Guyana’s biodiversity more precious than oil benefit Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4125

monday, december 2, 2019

Road carnage: 12 killed in 7 days See story on page 11

Guyana accumulates US$15.9M in debt to China in 6 months Page 3

Guyana Times/ Evening News win PAHO's Excellence in Health Journalism Awards

Guyana Times/Evening News senior Journalists/Assistant Editors, Lakhram Bhagirat and Devina Samaroo were on Sunday evening awarded by PAHO/WHO for excellence in health journalism. Mr Bhagirat won second place for print news feature while Ms Samaroo won first place for best online feature and television feature

Drinking spree turns deadly between friends …pork-knocker knifed to death Page 10

Prison officer caught with ganja hidden in underwear Page 8

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Murders, P9 accidents skyrocket in Region 7 – Police

“I’m personally not pushing P7 small businesses for export” – Small Business Bureau Director …says should supply local market first

Miner found dead in P10 mining pit Pirara Bridge reopened to vehicular P14 traffic

…commuters cite worsening of Lethem trail during rainy season

Attack on teacher P13 viewed as a criminal act – Education Ministry

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monday, DECEMBER 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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monday, december 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, December 2 – 09:00h-10:30h and Tuesday, December 3 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, December 2 – 07:50h-09:20h and Tuesday, December 3 – 08:50h-10:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected in the morning followed by thundery showers from midmorning to early afternoon with lightly to partly cloudy conditions prevailing thereafter.

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

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

High Tide: 08:05h and 20:20h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.28 metres.

Low Tide: 13:52h reaching a minimum height of 1.03 metres.

Guyana accumulates US$15.9M in debt to China in 6 months

S

tatistics released by the Finance Ministry show that Guyana’s debt to other countries is US$450 million as of June 2019, with China, through the State-owned Export Import (Exim) Bank of China, accounting for the lion’s share as Guyana’s largest bilateral creditor.

This was revealed in the Public Debt report for 2019.

Guyana’s bilateral debt, which is money owed on a government-to-government basis, does not include the money it owes to multilateral creditors like the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

In fact, Guyana’s bilateral debt as of June 2019 accounted for just 35.4 per cent of all external debt. So dominant is China’s role as a money lender to Guyana that 17.8 per cent of all of Guyana’s local debt was denominated in the Chinese

The CJIA expansion is one of the projects that have increased Guyana’s debt to China

arrangements,” the report states.

Trinidad is also cited as one of the reasons the US dollar share of the external debt fell at the end of June 2019, as compared to the first quarter of the year.

According to the report, this is because of repayments to multilateral creditors like

The ECD road expansion is another such project

saturday, november 30, 2019

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Yuan currency.

“The growing prominence of China, as a creditor, continues to impact the currency composition of the external debt portfolio, with 17.8 per cent being denominated in Renminbi Yuan as at end-June 2019. This signifies a 0.8 percentage point increase relative to the endMarch 2019 share of 17 per cent,” the report states.

The report attributes several Chinese-funded projects in Guyana to this development, including the Cheddi Jagan Airport Extension Project, the East Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project and the National Broadband Project, all of which are funded by the Exim Bank of China.

There is good news in the report, however, as the Ministry revealed that as of May 2019, millions in debt to Guyana’s regional neighbour, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) had been repaid. According to the report, Guyana’s debt to T&T had in fact matured, which means the principal became due.

“In May 2019, Guyana fully repaid its debt to Trinidad and Tobago, in keeping with the Paris Club Bilateral Rescheduling Agreement signed on October 6, 2005.

Trinidad and Tobago, which was Guyana’s largest bilateral creditor about two decades ago, generously wrote off US$482.5 million or 90 per cent of Guyana’s debt as part of the Paris Club

the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and bilateral creditors like T&T, Kuwait, and Venezuela.

When it comes to Venezuela, Finance Minister Winston Jordan was quoted previously in sections of the media revealing that Guyana owed them

US$114.7 million. He had, however, also said that owing to the political and social unrest in the neighbouring country and US sanctions, the money had to be paid

attributable to higher net flows.”

According to the report, these net flows “were driven by substantially higher disbursements relative to prin-

into an escrow account.

“At the end of June 2019, the total stock of public debt was US$1.6 billion, a 1.5 per cent increase compared to the end-June 2018 position.

This increase was mainly

cipal repayments between June 2018 and June 2019.

However, the total stock of public debt decreased by less than one per cent from the end of first quarter 2019 position of US$1.6 billion.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, DECEMBER 2, 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

Amaila Falls Hydro: A dream to be fulfilled

O

ver six years ago, in the wake of the APNU and AFC conspiring to scuttle the “Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project” (AFHEP), we evoked Dr Martin Luther King’s peroration on dreams. “As Guyana looks ruefully over the detritus left by the sabotage of AFHEP through the veto exercised by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), many are wondering about the fate of the dream of our founding fathers expressed in our National Motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny. The President might not have been as eloquent as Dr King (but then, who is?) but his call for all the political forces in our country to put aside their partisan agendas and work together to bring the project to fruition was no less sincere.

It was not to be. Today, the nation faces an uncertain future because our drive for the conversion of our economy from a producer of primary products to one in which value has been added through manufacturing processes has been given a huge blow. We have had a century of people boasting of our “potential”, but, in real terms, it will take cheap energy to translate that potential into a reality that would benefit all Guyanese. AFHEP would have delivered that energy from our most abundant resource: water. What could be more unifying than the “land of many waters” securing its economic independence from utilising some of those waters for all its people?

The Opposition APNU/AFC can only dream of a Guyana in which they control total power. It does not matter to them that, with such a partisan approach, that dream will always end in a national nightmare. What the AFHEP saga made very clear is that the President’s attempt to build consensus with the Opposition around a project of national import was interpreted by the latter only from the perspective that the hysteria they created in the minds of their supporters about “marginalisation” would have been shattered.

Such calls would not have been credible when the Opposition were allowed to share in the decision making at the highest levels. What then began as a demand by the Opposition for the details of the project quickly became a technique for moving the goalposts into regions selected solely to justify their continued veto. For instance, they insisted that their decision was contingent upon a favourable “due diligence” report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). But the report was dependent on their own approval of the Bill concerning the Government’s guaranteeing GPL’s payments, which they then denied.

More than anything else, such manoeuvrings by the Opposition demonstrated why the “political risks” component of the project was so high. No bank or investor would negotiate with a government to commit funds for projects when the agreements arrived at can be vetoed by an Opposition. For those who are calling for a “bipartisan” body to conduct such negotiations, we would simply be moving the Opposition veto one step backwards. This Opposition has no intention of any development coming to Guyana, and will only appoint individuals to such bodies who are as rabid in their opposition to the government as they are.”

We were shown to be prescient about the intentions of the APNU/AFC opposition, because when they acceded to office in 2015, they completely blanked AFHEP even though the consulting firm hired by the Norway Government conclusively declared that the project – to which they had committed US$80M - was the best course forward for a “Green Guyana”.

After 5 years, the PNC returned blackouts, rather than energy self-sufficiency.

But the dream of moving Guyana out of its underdeveloped state by the PPP through the supply of cheap, reliable and green energy did not die. Poised to return to office after March 2, 2020, in their just released manifesto, they committed to: “Complete the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, moving towards clean, reliable, affordable power supply.”

Dreams can come true, especially when they are the dreams of an entire nation led by the PPP.

A model of the Iwokrama Field Station on display at the Umana Yana on Saturday night, during the 30th anniversary of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation. This area of the preserved rainforest features accommodation for local and international visitors or researchers. As evident, the sights of birds and wildlife cannot be missed (Dexter Ceres photo)

Is Guyana destined for weak Govt?

Dear Editor, Political parties are mushrooming in Guyana these days. We have far more political parties than any other country in the Caribbean, and one of the highest numbers of such parties in the Commonwealth.

The last count showed that Guyana has some 20 political parties.

Why is it that so many parties are emerging on our political scene? No doubt, some would interpret this as a testimony of our “democratic” society. Some outsiders, unfamiliar with our political history and today’s realities, would think that democracy is flourishing here.

That would have been true during the period 1992 to May 2015. However, we have since seen a great decline in democratic practices.

Accountability has almost totally disappeared, and the regime has shown scant regard for our Constitution and the rule of law. Moreover, racial and political discrimination are rampant in our country.

I am sure that even the most ardent supporter of the APNU+AFC regime would have to admit that, using the yardstick of abiding by the Constitution and respecting the rule of law, Guyana is the most undemocratic regime in the region.

As this article is being prepared, we see all the signs that the regime is preparing to rig the upcoming elections, scheduled for March 2020, and perpetuate itself in power. This is more a case of history repeating itself.

Yet, the growth of political parties in our society is natural, and had we begun to have free and fair elections much earlier, this spurt in the amount of parties may have happened long before now.

Even though we see the proliferation of parties, this is not the limit. More parties may well emerge before the 2020 elections, and possibly even after. The reason for this growth is, no doubt, the elec-

toral system that we have.

Proportional Representation (PR) encourages the rise of many political parties. This system is alien to almost all of the Commonwealth countries. Almost all these countries have the Constituency system, popularly known as the “First Past the Post” system. This is the system that obtains in the United Kingdom. It was adopted by almost all the countries of the Commonwealth and many others outside of the Commonwealth.

The “First Past the Post” system creates conditions for strong political parties to contest specific areas, where the people’s representative would be well known. It is widely recognised as a more representative system, demands more accountability, and delivers better representation to the masses, the electors.

This was the system that we had up to 1961. It was replaced in 1964 by Proportional Representation (PR). The record would show that the quantity of parties was much less before the PR electoral system was introduced.

In 1953, three (3) parties contested the elections; they were: the People’s Progressive Party, National Democratic Party (NDP) and the People’s National Party (PNP). Independent candidates also participated for various constituencies. In fact, 86 independent candidates took part.

In 1957, five political parties: PPP (J), PPP (B), NLF, UDP, GNP, and six independent candidates contested.

In 1961, three parties contested: PPP, PNC, and UF; no independent candidate took part in those elections. This was the last elections wherein the “First Past the Post” method was used.

In 1964, the first elections held under the system of Proportional Representation (PR) seven parties contesting. They were: PPP, PNC, UF, Justice Party, Guyana

United Muslim Party; Peace, Equality and Prosperity Party (PEPP), and National Labour Front.

From these first elections under PR, we see a growth in the quantity of parties emerging. Some were organised on religious grounds: GUMP and JP, and other smaller interests.

As is well known, the PR system was not imposed on us because the British thought that it was a better system. Indeed, this system first arose in the United Kingdom, but was discarded as unsuitable. Up to today, the British still have the Constituency system, so do the overwhelming amount of Commonwealth countries.

Many politicians have a negative view of it. Harold Wilson, a former Prime Minister of UK, described it as a “fiddled arrangement.”

The main fear was that it would create weak government.

The first objective of the Colonial Power in imposing the Proportional Representation system on the then British Guiana was to remove the PPP from office before Independence, and to install a coalition of the PNC and the United Force. They did not want a political party that was truly independent, and sought to manage the country in the interest of its people, as the PPP had tried to take control in a post-colonial Guyana.

That was not the only reason. The British had in mind another reason that was not so obvious as the first; it was the removal of the PPP. That other reason was to ensure that our country would always have weak governments. They envisaged that no one party would be able to take the government, that we should always have coalitions. By this method, they felt that control of the government would always be in the hands of the Colonial Power or the United States, that had replaced Britain as

the main power in the world.

It was a forged arrangement to keep a multi-racial, multi-cultural society divided.

The idea of changing the electoral system to PR arose for the first time after the victory of the PPP in the 1957 General Elections.

At first it was rejected by almost all. It was mooted by Anthony Tasker, who was then a nominated member of the Legislative Council.

Tasker later became the head of Bookers operations in British Guiana. As a representative of Bookers, he had every reason to keep the society divided.

The British rejected it then, they felt that it was not the best form of representation. Burnham also showed scant attention to it at that time. It was raised at the 1960 Independence talks, but did not find much support. It is clear that the British had not yet considered it.

However, after the victory of the PPP in the 1961 General Elections, the call became persistent. Burnham fell in line after the British, having been pushed by the Kennedy Administration, finally gave in to the demand for Proportional Representation as the way to change the government in British Guiana. The records now released from the Foreign Office in London show that they had decided to impose that system on the colony after President Kennedy’s visit to the UK in 1963.

While in the late 1950s and 1960s the British supported Forbes Burnham instead of Cheddi Jagan, and actually installed him, they did not totally trust him.

Recall in Arthur Slazenger’s book, “John F Kennedy 1000 days in the White House”, he said that he had agreed with the British assessment of Burnham as being an opportunist, racist, and demagogue intent only on personal power. continued on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, DECEMBER 2, 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

Guyana needs leadership from younger people Dear Editor, Constitutional reform is the cause célèbre of new parties; and indeed, given the events since the 21st December 2018 Noconfidence vote, I am inclined to agree with them. Where we differ is on how, why, and for the benefit of whom.

The PNC and the ‘new’ parties see reform of the Constitution as the work of a special corps of persons who know what is best for all Guyanese. They would have a small, Governmentdominated committee suggest changes, and implement

these by way of a majority vote in the Legislature. The PPP, who made 192 changes to the 1980 Constitution, in its newest manifesto, suggests there be a return to the process utilised for previous reforms, with civil society making up 50% of the committee, 25% Government, and 25% Opposition; therefore, ceding the majority position in favour of a twenty-five percent say in the outcome.

I would go a step further and ask that a referendum be held and all the amendments be voted on individ-

ually, to determine the will of the people. I have grave doubts about Guyana’s civil society and the voices that supposedly represent it. The people of Guyana have to be consulted, and then involved directly in the approval process, before implementation via amendments.

The voices of ‘Civil Society’, with few exceptions, have been silent on the disdain showed by David Granger for the Constitution of Guyana. It took the issuance of a joint statement by the USA, UK, and the EU on 19th September 2019, to the

effect that the Government had become illegal and was occupying office as a usurper, for many of them to acknowledge that Elections were past due, and that there was a constitutional crisis.

Some, such as Lincoln Lewis, still refuse to accept that Granger is heading an illegal administration, and is engaging in unlawful conduct daily. Given a chance, Guyana business class may be inclined to make self-serving changes in furtherance of cultural hegemony.

The ‘new party’ people are all concerned about ma-

Is Guyana destined for...

That is why they wanted to keep him on a leash, to have him depending on them by forcing him into a coalition arrangement.

That British plan did not envisage the rigging of elections. Burnham, having assessed the international situation, felt confident that he could ditch his coalition partner and the British and Americans would not do anything about it, because the alternative was the incorruptible, principled Cheddi Jagan and the PPP. He was right. Neither the US nor the UK tried to stop him from carrying out some of the most massively rigged elections in the world.

Instead, they continued to finance him. At the same time, with their silence, he was able to maintain a façade of democracy.

The rigging of elections and the growing dictatorial rule prevented the growth of many political parties, as PR characteristically encourages. This was seen very early on in the period of the PNC in power. Just before the elections of 1968, the PNC got rid of the United Force from the coalition. By the time the UF had withdrawn from the coalition, it could not bring down the Government, because the PNC had managed to control the majority of votes in the Parliament. They did that by massive bribery and the encouragement of corruption of the ministers of Government, particularly those ministers from the United Force.

The case of Mohamed Kassim, the then Minister of Works in that coalition Government, is a classic example. Mr Kassim was from the UF. His party leader, Mr Peter D’Aguiar, who was then the Minister of Finance, reported to the Parliament that Kassim could not account for five million dollars. He strongly suggested that the money was stolen.

Mr. Burnham, the Prime Minister, promptly got up and said that he had authorised the spending. Kassim immediately crossed the floor and joined the PNC. That is how the PNC got its first majority in the National Assembly.

Before that, some PPP parliamentarians were also bought over by the PNC

through a combination of pressure and enticements.

Having seen all of that manoeuvring, people knew that the PNC was about to rig the elections of 1968.

As a result, no new party emerged. Only four (4) parties contested those elections. They were: the PPP, PNC, UF and GUMP. A fall from seven (7) in 1964.

In 1973, elections again saw only four parties contesting. They were: PPP, PNC, Liberator Party, and a new party: the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).

The Liberator Party was a fusion of the UF and a group called ‘Liberator’. It was headed by Dr Gunraj Kumar, a prominent and popular medical doctor. The PDM was led by Llewellyn John, a former Minister of Home Affairs in the PNC/UF Coalition. He was key in the rigging of the 1968 elections.

He fell out with the PNC and created his own party.

In 1980, the contesting parties fell to three (3): the PPP, PNC and the UF. This was a demonstration that the situation was seen as hopeless by many who probably wanted to contest.

We began to see a change in the 1985 General elections. By that time, Forbes Burnham had died. His successor, Desmond Hoyte, began to make some reforms which gave the hope to some that the elections would have been free and fair.

The reforms included some relaxation on the press, in that period the Stabroek News was born. He also abolished overseas voting, a method used extensively by the Burnham-led PNC to rig elections. As a result, seven parties contested the poll.

They were: PPP, PNC, UF, Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Democratic Labour Movement (DLM), National Democratic Front (NDF), and People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).

However, the hopes were all dashed. Desmond Hoyte’s PNC massively rigged the 1985 elections. It was the worst rigged elections in our history.

That defeat did not daunt the participants. They began to advocate even more vigorously for a return to

Democracy. The opposition parties decided to unite into the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD). The PCD was formed to pressure the Government for real changes. It was making important gains. The Guyanese people’s resistance increased greatly.

In the meantime, the international situation had undergone some great changes as well. The Cold War had ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The combination of a united opposition at home and a new international situation in which the threat of “communism” was removed created favourable conditions for change in Guyana.

The Republic Day message by President George Bush to Desmond Hoyte in 1991 clearly signalled that the US position on the toleration of rigged elections in Guyana had come to an end.

That gave great hope to the democratic forces that the people’s vote would finally be counted.

As a result, eleven (11) parties contested the 1992 General Elections, in which the PPP/Civic emerged victorious despite many predictions that it could not win 50% of the votes. Indeed, it won 53.45%.

Since then, the amount of parties contesting the elections have more or less been constant. What has been changing is the fact that some parties have been combining before the elections. We have seen GAP/ WPA; GAP/ROAR; and later APNU, in which some seven parties have combined.

This year, we have seen a massive jump in the amount of political parties on the scene. Many parties are emerging, representing smaller and smaller group interests.

In an atmosphere in which there is the possibility of free elections, many are staking claims. To get into the National Assembly, a party needs only approximately five thousand votes.

However, that one or two seats can give that party much greater bargaining power than its popular vote.

This would be so in a situation where no party or combination of parties gets fifty-one percent of the votes.

FROM PAGE 4

With free and fair elections, the second objective of the then Colonial Power when Proportional Representation was imposed began to become a reality; that is: to have “weak” coalition governments in Guyana.

No doubt some, particularly leaders of the smaller parties, would see this as a good thing. However, it could be the worst thing that can happen to our country, with the exception of rigged elections and undemocratic governments.

Weak governments create instability, and are a big obstacle to progress.

Remember that we will, in the immediate future, be an oil producing country.

We will have to deal with very powerful international companies with revenues bigger that the Caribbean states combined. That group would have the resources to finance parties and ensure that the major companies have the power, because of the parties they could control.

Weak governments and undemocratic regimes can turn our country into a playground and our people into playthings in the hands of mighty transnational companies more than fifty years after we saw the contours of weak puppet government in Guyana.

The best way forward is to have a strong, democratic administration, that seeks to build consensus to deal with international capital and to give Guyana and its people the best conditions for socio-economic progress.

Those who advocate constitutional reform should consider reviewing the electorial system specifically, joining with the rest of the Caribbean and return to the First Past the Post (Constituency) System, as it is the best system to ensure strong governments.

History and experience have shown that only the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has the capacity to stand up for the good of the whole nation.

A strong PPP/Civic is indispensable for our nation.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

nipulating the electoral process; reforming it to get a seat is an attractive prospect, and is easier than doing the hard work required to win the X of the voters next to their symbols. The new men are all about getting a seat in Parliament, based on perception rather than actual votes.

These are visionless parties, whose best attribute is to criticise those who can think, conceive, and execute development plans for the nation.

The PNC and its APNU/AFC acolytes couldn’t care less about adherence to the present Constitution. Cabinet meetings continue, it is business as usual; any reform from these folks would be to establish a one-party state, elections and election results be damned. Is this what people want?

The Death Penalty is an example where the will of the people and those who represent us in civil society and political organisations diverge.

We, the people, are overwhelmingly in favour of the death penalty, the politicians avoid implementation because it can affect the nation’s relationships with important partners; civil society members avoid it because it offends their elitist sensibilities. Any mention of the ‘Death Penalty’ cues the long-dormant voices of the GHRA, Red Thread, TIGI et al.

They are silent on David Granger’s egregious transgressions, but are vocal on implementation of one of our laws. How dare the people

want something that is enshrined in the Constitution?

‘Reform and remove!’ will be the cry.

Politicians need to stand up for the Guyanese right to set our society’s needs first.

We are still dealing with barbarians within our walls, and they must be treated harshly. We have in the current Government men who provided succour to bandits like Linden ‘Blackie’ London and Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins. we are not yet as civilised as other nations. To become ‘civilised’, we need to go through that process of enacting harsh laws and penalties until the criminal elements understand they will pay the ultimate price for their actions.

The PPP has stated it would look at serious reform in the area of inclusive governance. This is reflective of the will of the people. Wording will be crucial, as simple language ‘needing no gloss’ will not suffice post-Granger. The framers of amendments to the Constitution would need all the help they can get to eliminate wilful ignorance in interpretation.

Guyana needs leadership from younger people, who understand the concept of ‘Rule of Law ‘and who want a return to parliamentary democracy and respect for the Constitution as our supreme guide. Elections are on the 2nd of March 2020.

Dear Editor, The Caribbean Voice commends the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) “for ensuring that all managers and leaders completed sessions on emotional intelligence, as part of an ongoing effort by the company to secure employees’ mental health for their own well-being and then for the people they serve every day”, as reported in a section of the media.

In effect, IPED has recognised that when employees start to feel better about their mental health, they also feel better about their jobs, and are more engaged at work. In fact, more than 80% of employees who receive treatment report improved job satisfaction. Thus TCV urges all businesses to consider implementing this very practical initiative, which is becoming part and parcel of human resources development globally.

IEPD’s model included “contracting a psychologist to do an assessment on challenges workers are encountering on and off the job”, the results of which “contributed to changes to some

policies and processes, and provided insights into areas of training and development”. The company also “introduced its Wellness Programme, whereby each employee is given the opportunity to speak to a therapist for two hours, paid for

by IPED”.

While some businesses may baulk at the cost, the fact is that, soon enough, the benefits will not only justify the costs, but also result in increased profitability far offsetting the mental health investment.

As well, absenteeism is tremendously reduced; workers’ resiliency, engagement and job satisfaction are maximised; the work environment becomes healthier and safer; the stigma around mental health issues is reduced, thereby building awareness and acceptance outside company walls, and sending a positive message to customers; loyalty and retention are tremendously fostered; and overall productivity, morale and commitment become significantly boosted.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

IPED commended for mental health initiatives

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

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monday, DECEMBER 2, 2019

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om’s in stress meltdown, the kids are fighting over the last cupcake, Uncle Bob is coughing up a lung as he carves the bird, and your best friend just got textdumped. Hello, holiday memories!

‘Tis the season to beat sickness (not to mention tiredness, stress, or other holiday downers).

Fortunately, you can stay well and have a good time even if everyone else is falling apart.

Follow these five tips to boost your body’s defences:

Foundation high in calories and low on the nutrition you need to battle germs and boost energy. Make it a priority to eat five or more

t h e y know they’re sick, so even just a sip from someone’s drink puts his or her germs in your body.

Eat healthy and be merry

Holiday foods can be

Chill

to a window and look out at the sky. Then go back to what you were doing, realizing that holiday drama will happen. Just hope it leaves you with some great stories to tell.

Beat the blues

Fend off germs

Family gatherings, airports and travel stops, shopping malls, even the library during finals week – they’re all places germs like to mingle. So protect yourself: Wash your hands a lot.

The holidays are all about sharing, but some things you’ll want to keep to yourself: forks, spoons, and drinking utens i l s .

People can be contagious b e fore

to burning calories.

fruits and vegetables a day (choose the whole fruit instead of juice so you feel full longer and avoid added sugar). Carry an apple or a bag of baby

“Can I afford it?” “Will it be perfect?”

Even things we look forward to, like parties or gifts, can come with worries attached. If you feel stressed out, stop what you’re doing for just a moment. Take five deep breaths — all-the-waydown-to-your-belly deep.

Concentrate on each breath as you inhale and exhale.

Holiday depression doesn’t just happen in songs. For some people, it’s seasonal, brought on by shorter days, longer nights, and colder weather. Other people are going through difficult life events like a breakup or a move. If you feel down, go outside, even if it’s cold where you live. Sunlight and exercise are great mood lifters.

Try a seasonal activity to put you in the holiday spirit, like neighborhood carol singing. And don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust, like a parent or teacher, about how you’re feeling.

Get some ZZZs

Getting eight and a half to nine hours of sleep a night during the holidays can help strengthen your immune system, give you more energy, and make you less vulnerable to stress.

One of the top things to do for your health is to get out and have fun

carrots so you always have a healthy snack available.

And don’t give your exercise routine a holiday. Exercise gives you energy in addition

Walk

over

Forget about the tough stuff for a while (except for your safety, of course — be sure someone knows where you are and watch out for drunk drivers).

Laugh and enjoy yourself — the holidays only come once a year. (kidshealth.org)

M

a n y of us have felt that weird ear-popping sensation when we fly. For kids (especially babies and young children), it can feel especially odd and even be scary at first. But it’s a common, normal part of flying.

This sometimes uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum (the middle ear). Normally, the Eustachian tube, a passageway that leads from the middle ear to the back of the throat behind the nose, equalises the air pressure in the middle ear to the outside air pressure by opening and letting air reach the middle ear.

When our ears “pop” while yawning or swallowing, the Eustachian tubes are adjusting the air pressure in the middle ears.

In kids, however, the relatively narrow Eustachian tubes might not do this as well, especially if they’re clogged with mucus from an ear infection or cold, or blocked by enlarged or swollen adenoids.

Whether you’re flying, scuba diving, climbing a mountain, or even riding in an elevator, air pressure decreases as you go higher and increases as you go lower. If the pressure isn’t equalised, the higher air pressure pushes on one side of the eardrum and causes pain. That’s why so many babies cry during those last few minutes of the flight, as the air pressure in the cabin increases as the plane prepares to land.

But the pain is only temporary — it won’t cause any lasting problems for kids and usually will ease within a few minutes as the Eustachian tubes open to let the air pressure equalise on both sides of the eardrums.

If your child has an ear infection, your doctor may recommend delaying flying, if possible, until the infection is gone. This will help your child avoid increased pain and a possible rupture, or tear, of the eardrum. In kids who have had ear tube surgery, the tubes will help the air pressure equalise more easily.

What can help ease ear pain?

These tips can help equalise the air pressure in your child’s ears and prevent or decrease ear pain during air travel. Have your child: Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids (water is best) throughout the flight. Drinking a lot is very important. It encourages swallowing, which opens the Eustachian tubes. Also, airplane air is dry, which thickens nasal mucus, making it more likely for the Eustachian tubes to become clogged.

Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen about a half hour before take-offs or landings if you know your child has ear pain when flying.

Chew gum or suck on hard candy (only if your child is over three years old).

Take a bottle or pacifier or breastfeed. If you bottle-feed, make sure your baby is sitting upright while drinking.

Yawn frequently.

Stay awake for takeoff and landing. During sleep, we don’t swallow as often, so it’s harder to keep the air pressure in the middle ear equalised.

Practice a breathing exercise. Older kids and teens can practise this exercise during a flight’s ascent and descent: Breathe in slowly, then gently pinch the tip of the nose and exhale through the nose while closing the mouth. Repeat as necessary.

If your child takes medicines that contain antihistamines or decongestants, talk to your doctor about whether to continue them during the flight.

In some cases, a child may continue to have ear pain for longer periods (up to several hours) if the ears don’t “pop”. You can continue to give your child pain relievers according to the package directions until the pain eases. If it continues for more than several hours, call your doctor for advice.

With a little patience and some simple precautions, though, you can make your next family flight less stressful and more comfortable for both you and your child. (kidshealth.org)

NEWS

7

monday, December 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“I’m personally not pushing small businesses for export” – Small Business Bureau Director …says should supply local market first

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efore thinking of exporting products, small businesses should have the capacity to supply the local market.

This view was expressed

by Small Business Bureau (SBB) Director, Dr Lowell Porter, who admitted he personally did not push small businesses to export products presently.

During a recent press conference at the SBB headquarters at La Penitence, Georgetown, Dr Porter identified low production and poor packaging as two of the hurdles small businesses face in finding markets for their products. In the case of the latter, Porter noted that often times small businesses came to the Bureau with packaging that was not up to standard.

“The problem is, though, it’s not cheap to improve your packaging. So, how are you going to make that return on that investment?

The other thing is that I, personally, am not pushing clients for export standards right now,” Dr Porter said.

“We’ve got to be able to supply our markets first, so that when you buy this bottle for $50, you buy five of them or a hundred of them, you go back next week and you’ve got none. That’s ridiculous. We have some clients that are exporting, but it is not container loads every week.”

The question was raised by visiting economist within the Barbados Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry, Tyrone DeFreitas, about whether “clusters” or co-ops are used, in which multiple small businesses come together to pool their resources and increase production of a particular product.

It was pointed out, however, that often times local small businesses were against working together.

Dr Porter also gave some statistics on how many lo-

good. And the buyers were coming and asking how can they get more of the products.”

“We’ve started the process of connecting them with buyers. And I think they should take it from there. It was so good that the clients were asking if we can hold it another time. It’s an initiative, it was our first time and we want to continue doing it. Maybe every quarter we have one.”

Small Business Bureau (SBB) Director, Dr Lowell Porter

cal businesses have registered with them, noting that persons desirous of registering would have to regularise their operations.

“In our database, we have about 2000 clients.

This year, we registered approximately 850,” Dr Porter explained, adding that, “On a daily basis, we have an average of 38 persons walking in here.”

“We have to let small businesses know that they can’t operate in an informal way. That means taxes and their social contribution.

When that is done, they should be able to get tax breaks. I personally believe that the tax rate should be lower for small businesses.”

Additionally, he explained that after feedback from the participants at the recent open market day, which was held in front of City Hall last month, the Bureau is considering holding the event every quarter, or four times, per year.

“The small business market day was just to have our clients there and facilitate a marketplace for them, so they could sell their product. (We) had quite a number of clients…64 clients… from as far as Linden and Skeldon. And these clients have asked for another day, because the result was so

A scene from the market day the SBB held on November 22

8 NEWS

monday, december 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Prison officer caught with ganja hidden in underwear

A

nother prison officer performing duties at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was caught with a quantity of marijuana stashed in his underwear during a search conducted on Sunday.

Reports are that about 06:45h, the prison officer was subjected to a mandatory search when he reported for duty, and he was immediately detained.

According to Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Director Gladwyn Samuels, the Police were called into investigate.

The prison officer in question had been serving the GPS for eight months to date.

Samuels said that after being caught, the officer claimed that he committed the illegal act after being “pressured” by an inmate, who repeatedly requested that he supply him with the illicit substance.

“The officer said he would like to warn other

officers to make use of the systems in place to report such issues so that they can get the needed help. The prison administration will continue the efforts to have all such persons outfitted with the uniform of our inmate population,” the GPS Director added.

Just two days ago, a 39-year-old law enforcement officer serving at the GPS and stationed at the Lusignan Prison found himself in hot water after he was caught with cannabis in his possession while on duty.

He was detained after the illicit substance, weighing 348 grams, was discovered.

The GPS Director had told Guyana Times that the staff at the prisons would be searched sporadically but regularly.

In recent times, several raids and searches were conducted on the various prisons throughout the country, and numerous con-

traband items were discovered and seized.

Some officers of the GPS were implicated for receiving ‘bribes’ or ‘payment’ to allow such items to pass through their rigid checks.

Earlier this month, ranks of both the GPS and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) conducted a routine search of the Mazaruni Prison where a number of contraband items were discovered.

These included three SIM cards, 10 cellular phones, 59 packs of cigarettes, six pairs of scissors, 11 improvised weapons, eight lighters, two smok-

ing utensils, eight chargers, eight pieces of broken mirrors, and more than 1400 grams of cannabis.

Also, a recent search at the New Amsterdam Prison unearthed several improvised weapons among other prohibited items.

Police found three improvised weapons; 65 packs of cigarettes; 19 razor blades; 10 grams of marijuana; six improvised chargers; five grams of fronto (a tobacco wrapper leaf); 20 metal spoons; five bottles and a bucket of locally made wine; Digicel SIM cards; one improvised smoking utensil; and two cellphones.

Almost 1 month later

Search for missing Essequibo Coast pensioner called off

I

t is now almost one month since 73-yearold Philommena Alfred went missing after visiting the bank with her husband

Still missing: Alfred

Philommena

in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Although the pensioner suffers from amnesia, family members are still puzzled about her sudden disappearance.

Alfred’s granddaughter, Devika Ashby said on Saturday that family members, Police Officers and regional officials who participated in the search have halted the three-week exercise since there have been no leads.

“My family members search up to the 27th of this month, but did not find any trace; the Police did went and help my relatives to search, but nothing not even a trace … only God knows what happened to her. It’s a very hard situation,” Ashby stated.

While expressing some hope that her grandmother may be alive, Ashby noted that persons were consistently contacting family members informing them that they saw the missing pensioner but she said in many instances, the calls were hoaxes.

Guyana Times previously reported that Alfred and her husband, 76-year-old George Alfred, left in the company of each other to visit Republic Bank’s Anna Regina location about 11:00h on November 4, 2019.

Upon arrival at the Bank, the man left his wife outside and headed inside to conduct a transaction. However, upon his return, she was not there.

The 73-year-old was last seen wearing a black flowered dress and family members are still urging anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact 666-7651 or the nearest Police Station.

Elections… …and the PNC Manifesto Miffed that the PPP were first off the blocks with their Manifesto, the PNC petulantly accused the former of cogging from their playbook!! One isn’t sure why the PPP would want to do that, since the few accomplishments the PNC coalition managed to scrape together were all PPP-conceived projects they inherited. Like the CJIA and ECD/WCD highways. And even then, they managed to screw up the airport by conspiring with the Chinese company to fob off a shoddy makeover, rather than a new, modern structure. Like the ECD highway, the CJIA remains unfinished.

A PNC spokesman claimed they’re putting on the finishing touches to their manifesto. That’s rather surprising, since not completing 95% of what they promised in their 2015 Manifesto, they could’ve as well reissued the untouched and unused document!! But they’re obviously ashamed of their failure to accomplish even their own modest plans, since the fella announced they’re naming their new manifesto a “Decade of Development” – starting from 2020.

Why wouldn’t they have promised to complete the 2015 one? Is this the way governments operate -every five years, throw out the old plans and start from “scratch”?? They have a name for this: “running on the spot”!! And as the name suggests, at best, we’ll all be right where we began every five years under the PNC!!

So, let’s take a look at that old Manifesto which had been launched with such fanfare and so much promise.

That opened up with a summary of the Cummingsburg Accord with the PNC and AFC. How much of that agreement was executed? Did PM Nagamootoo get to chair Cabinet, or be responsible for Domestic Affairs, as promised under the rubric “Shared Executive Responsibilities”??? How many “Ministerial Appointments” did he recommend to Granger? What about that “Government of National Unity”? Did that even glimpse the light of day? The promise about “Reforms of the Local Government System; Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government” had excited a lot of interest. Why did they remain stillborn?? Weren’t they going to be the result of “Constitutional Change” that would be tabled in the National Assembly within 9 months??

There was also going to be “the curtailment of immunities, pension plan and other inequities of the presidencies”. Yep! You read that right! Did that get blotted on Granger’s copy?? As a “youth man” himself, your Eyewitness’s interest was piqued at the promise of “ensuring all State Boards have a youth representative on them.” Any appointment?

But you get the idea; don’t you, dear reader?? If so many of the crucial promises of the PNC coalition – forget just filling potholes! – were not fulfilled, why trust their new promises??

Fool me once… …and integrity One big promise of the PNC coalition was ensuring the “integrity” of their government officials. With trumpets blaring, Trotman promptly announced a “Code of Conduct” that would guide the said members. Even though it was long on aspirations and short on specifics, folks felt it was a start. But as scandal upon scandal broke over the government – Durban Park; Ansa Drug Contract; pharma bottomhouse; DHB design bid etc etc - like the waves of the Atlantic at the Kitty foreshore, one understood why the Code of Conduct was never even given official imprimatur!!

Then there’s the Integrity Commission. This was finally appointed THREE YEARS after the PNC took office!!

But when it revealed that the president was among the majority of government officials who refused to file their asset declarations, your Eyewitness knew this Commission was in trouble.

And lo and behold, so it was!! The Chairman just revealed that the government has starved it of funds, so that it can’t even publish the names of the transgressors!!

And they’re all supposed to be honourable men!! …and symbols All parties planning on competing in the next elections must register their symbols with the Elections Commission

by Dec 13. Can’t have conflicting symbols.

So, who’ll back off from using the “Scales of Justice”??

JFAP or TCI??

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

NEWS

9

monday, DECEMBER 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Murders, accidents skyrocket in Region 7 – Police

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or the period January 1 to November 29, 2019, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded an increase of murders in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) when compared to the corresponding period last year.

Regional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Linden Lord, who took control of that Division during the last quarter of this year, made this disclosure during the recent unveiling of the division’s plans for the Christmas season.

He noted that for this year, there were 11 reports of murder at various locations in Region Seven, and of these reports, eight cases were made by the Police.

There was also one case of a murder-suicide for 2019 to date. This is a 57.1 per cent increase over statistics obtained in 2018, which revealed seven reports of

murder recorded by the Police in that division with six cases made.

Commander Lord pointed out that in relation to traffic offences and road fatalities, for the period January 1 to October 31, 2019, the Region Seven Police Division recorded no deaths resulting from accidents.

Last year, there was one road fatality in that region.

Meanwhile, for the same period last year, there were five serious accidents and eight minor accidents in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District.

In 2019 to date, there were

accidents for the same period.

However, Commander Lord stated that while there have been some spikes in certain crimes, there has been an overall decrease in serious crimes.

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Linden Lord

increases in both categories: seven serious accidents and 10 minor accidents recorded.

Additionally, both years recorded 14 damage

He added that during the Christmas season (November 15, 2019 to January 15, 2020), plans include heightened security measures and presence throughout Region Seven to curb and prevent the occurrence of crimes in all categories.

Community’s contribution crucial in battle against HIV/AIDS – PANCAP Director

A

s Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing World AIDS Day on Sunday, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and Aids (PANCAP) is rallying its efforts to place muchneeded emphasis on the need for communities to be involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

World AIDS Day was observed on December 1, and this year’s theme is “Communities Make the Difference”, in recognition of the contributions of communities to the AIDS response globally.

The advocacy of these social units has brought

about the establishment of many notable projects such as Global Fund, and the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS, all in an effort to address the global epidemic.

This was according to PANCAP’s Director, Dereck Springer, who was at the time giving remarks at the agency’s World AIDS Day observance exercise 2019 at the Caricom Secretariat on Friday.

“The observance of World AIDS Day is an important opportunity for stakeholders to recognise the essential role that communities have played and continue to play in the AIDS response at the international, national and local levels … and so

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka leading this year’s World AIDS Day walk (DPI photo)

community activism was what was responsible for the establishment of this organization called PANCAP; it is that was responsible for the first UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS, which was held in June, that really called attention to the world

that HIV is an developmental issue not an health issue,” Springer noted.

The Director further expressed optimism on PANCAP’s, and other partnering agencies’ efforts to reduce risks and vulnerability to the incurable disease.

“But I hope that this tradition that we have now established will continue and that we will continue to see bold leadership in the response to HIV in this Caribbean region … and so within the Caricom Secretariat, we hope that we can ensure that we reduce risks and vulnerability to HIV,” Springer asserted.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary-General at Caricom, Dr Douglas Slater, in expressing hope that HIV/ AIDS would be eradicated by 2030, also acknowledged the difference communities could make, especially at a time when finances to fight the disease are reduced.

“This year’s observance is occurring at a time in our Region’s history where

there’s reduced donor funding for HIV and AIDS, our Governments and civil society organisations face the task of adapting their life-saving initiatives in an environment of reduced financing from development partners for HIV prevention, support, and treatment,” Slater highlighted.

Back in September, it was revealed that an estimated 8200 persons are infected with HIV, with only 93 per cent knowing their status.

This was as the country surpassed the target in the UN’s AIDS “90-90-90” target.

On Sunday, the World AIDS Day observation commenced with a walk hosted by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, among other events.

10 NEWS

monday, DECEMBER 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Drinking spree turns deadly between friends … pork-knocker knifed to death

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teenager has now found himself in hot water after he allegedly stabbed his pork-knocker friend to death while they, along with other friends, were imbibing at a shop in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Dead is 24-year-old Romel Williams, of North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) and Uitvlugt Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

Reports are that the incident occurred about 23:00h on Friday at a shop in George Creek, Siparuni, Region Eight. According to Police, Williams and the 18-year-old suspect were in the company of several others at the shop imbibing when an argument ensued between the duo. The argument escalated and the two started to fight. During the fight, the teenager allegedly stabbed Williams in his abdomen.

Persons at the shop picked up the injured man and rushed him to hospital in Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). He was, however,

pronounced dead on arrival. His body was taken to the G Jesco Funeral Home to await a post-mortem. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody.

There are several reports of drinking sprees turning deadly this year.

In September, an early-morning drinking spree featuring several friends at Main Street, New Amsterdam turned deadly after one was allegedly stabbed to death.

Killed was Delroy James, a labourer of Patrick Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam.

On September 17, another drinking spree ended in murder at an East Coast Demerara (ECD) home when a sibling allegedly knifed his older brother to death.

Forty-seven-year-old Satnarine Jattan, called “Dalim”, of Lot 471 Charlotte Street, Enterprise, ECD, and his younger brother were consuming alcohol together at the residence when a fatal argument ensued.

On July 9, a miner was stabbed to death while imbibing at the Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River,

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The dead man was identified as 22-year-old Errol “Glasgow” Thomas of Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

On May 22, 37-year-old Dexroy Garraway, known as “Bam Bam”, of Lower Enterprise, Pomeroon in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) murdered his drinking buddy, 24-yearold Eric Nurse of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

On April 6, a drinking session between two friends took a turn for the worst, resulting in the death of one and the detention of the other in Police custody.

Finally, 48-year-old Michael Chu, also called “Chuman”, a labourer of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two had been reportedly consuming alcohol with a younger labourer of Grant Melville, Lower Pomeroon River at Glen Nors, Lower Pomeroon River when a heated argument broke out between them and turned fatal.

Miner found dead in mining pit

A

miner working in the Macurie Backdam, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) was found dead by his co-worker in a mined-out pit near their campsite.

The now deceased man, who has been identified only as “Peasie”, was of Indigenous descent and his correct name, age and address remained unknown up to press time.

Reports are the man died sometime between 03:00h and 06:00h on Sunday. The now dead man had been employed by a 51-year-old gold miner of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West

Coast Demerara (WCD) on a four-inch land dredge at the Macurie Backdam, Mazaruni River.

Reports are that on Saturday morning, a boat captain, who had been working with “Peasie”, woke up about 03:00h and noticed that “Peasie” was not in his hammock.

The Captain told Police that although he did not see “Peasie”, he did not suspect anything was amiss since he believed that he probably went to the toilet. The Boat Captain told the Police that he went back to sleep and woke

up once again about 06:00h and observed that the man’s hammock was still empty.

He then raised an alarm and the other workers in the camp woke up and started a search for the man.

Police were told that one of the workers, called “Mango”, subsequently shouted to his colleagues that he located “Peasie”; however, the man was dead. The man was found in a mined-out pit lying on his back. The men reported the matter to the Police about 10:30h, and a team of investigators were dispatched to the area.

news

11

monday, december 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Road carnage: 12 killed in 7 days A

pedestrian who had been standing on the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Sunday afternoon is the country’s latest road fatality, having been struck by a truck that was allegedly speeding, resulting in his death. His demise has now brought the road fatality figure to 12 in seven days.

This most recent acciDead: Senior Superintendent of Police, Brian Eastman

(ECD) public road. Republic Bank employee 31-year-old David Matthew Headly was killed after his car allegedly slammed into a bridge.

Reports are that Headly was driving his car, PRR 253, at a fast rate when the accident took place. He is said to have died on the spot.

Charles Newton, died after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel of his car while travelling to Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) to drop a friend home.

The father of a onemonth baby, who hailed from Windsor Forest village, WCD, died at about 05:00h in the vicinity of the Leonora Police Station after he lost control of his vehicle - PRR 1703 – and it ended up turning turtle.

There were two other occupants inside of Newton’s car at the time of the accident.

Hit-and-run

Dead: Ayesha Sealey

dent, which occurred at about 13:30h on Sunday, has resulted in the dead man’s identity still being unknown up to press time.

Reports are that, following the accident, the driver of the truck picked up the injured man and rushed him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital for treatment. This

Dead: Roach

Police

Officer

Carl

newspaper was told that on realizing that the pedestrian was dead, the driver attempted to flee the Police by jumping into his truck and driving away.

He, however, had two passengers inside his truck at the time of the accident, and an ex-police officer who had been passing when the accident took place witnessed the tragedy and gave the police information which led to his arrest.

He is currently in the custody of the Police as investigations into the fatal accident continue.

On Monday last, 52-yearold Essequibo labourer Raymond Cassal had his life snuffed out when he was hit down by a vehicle that quickly sped away from the accident scene.

Residents later discovered his body lying on the roadway with several visible injuries. He was taken to the nearest hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Child, cop & businessman

On Tuesday afternoon, in Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, a seven-year-old child lost his life while in the company of his mother and sibling who had collected him from school.

Nifran Nazamadeen, along with his mother and eight-year-old sister, was standing on the parapet when a speeding car slammed into them, killing the young boy instantly.

Meanwhile, at about 19:30h on Tuesday, Senior Superintendent of Police Brian Eastman and his high school friend businessman Dillon DeRamos, who owns the Kosmos Restaurant & Bar, were killed in a horrific smash-up at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The

Policeman, banker

Just after midnight on Sunday last, 29-year-old Police Officer Carl Roach died after his Ducati motorcycle collided with a car at the corner of Brickdam and Chalmers Place, Georgetown. The impact is said to have killed him instantly.

The second fatal accident took place hours later, at about 05:00h, at Felicity on the East Coast Demerara

Dead: Essequibo Raymond Cassal

labourer

SUV that the men were travelling in slammed into a concrete fence and was wrecked beyond repair.

5 dead, 16 injured

Early Saturday morning, another Republic Bank employee, 25-year-old Riley

Dead: Owner of Kosmos Restaurant and Bar, Dillon DeRamos

The trio, Police said, had been imbibing in Georgetown, and were heading to Parika, East Bank Essequibo when the accident occurred.

Public-spirited persons

Dead: 12-year-old Bisnauth

Maria

managed to pull the three men out of the badly damaged vehicle and rush them to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, but Newton was pronounced dead on arrival, while his two friends, who had sustained injuries, were treated at that health facility.

Meanwhile, on Saturday at about 19:20h, minibus BYY 2981 slammed into motor car PTT 691, killing four persons and leaving 16 others injured.

Dead are 52-year-old Rawle Williams; 29-year-old Ayesha Sealey; 22-year-old Zavira Jona and 12-year-old Maria Bisnauth.

The minibus driver, a 37-year-old resident of Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) who is presently hospitalized, is said to be in a serious condition.

Commander of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Assistant Police Commissioner Simon McBean, told Guyana Times on Sunday that 21 persons

Dead: Republic Bank employee David Matthew Headly

were involved in this fatal accident, 12 have been admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), while four remain at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), receiving necessary medical attention.

Williams, of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD), had been the driver of the car.

Sealey had lived at Patentia Housing Scheme, WBD, while Jona had been from Patentia village, WBD, and Bisnauth had resided at Lot 125 Sideline Dam, Sisters Village, WBD. The accident occurred on the Nismes Public Road, WBD as the minibus was proceeding north along the western carriageway of the road reportedly at a fast rate of speed.

Reports are that, while the bus was in the vicinity of a gas station which is located on the western side of that roadway, the driver of the car drove out from the fuel station in a south-easterly direction and into the path of the minibus.

According to Police, the accident resulted when the front right side of the minibus collided with the front right-side door of the motor car, causing both vehicles to spin off the road and end up on the grass parapet before plunging into a trench.

At time of the accident, the minibus was overloaded with passengers. The injured passengers are: 31-yearold Sharafa Deea Bichai of Patentia, WBD; 27-year-old Salame Marks and 26-yearold Leon Marks, both of Wales, WBD; 38-year-old

Dead: Seven-year-old Nifran Nazamadeen

Avin Naranjan; 39-year-old Mark Ambrose; 32-year-old Baroda Manual; 33-year-old Kerry Allen and 34-year-old Shawn Thomas, all of Good Intent village, WBD. Minibus passengers

Keisha Washingston, 32 years old and of Lot 5 Church Street Stanleytown, WBD; 40-year-old Patula Taylor of South Ruimveldt Georgetown; 22-year-old Mark Anthony of Canal Number One Polder, WBD; and 19-year-old Lashona Alicia Anthony of Nismes village, WBD were also injured.

Additionally, 14-yearold Aaron Narajan and his sibling, seven-year-old Devine Naranjan, along with a 53-year-old man whose address is currently unknown, and whose only name supplied to the Police is Boodram, were in-

Dead: Republic Bank employee Riley Charles Newton

jured as passengers inside of the minibus. (Kristen Macklingam)

12 NEWS “Iwokrama must change to survive” – President monday, december 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

…says Guyana’s biodiversity more precious than oil benefit

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eflecting on the floods, savannah fires, depleted forests and contaminated waters that presently pervade Guyana, President David Granger has opined that the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation must change if it was to survive the coming decades.

He shared this position during the 30th anniversary of the organisation, which manages one million hectares of Guyana’s rainforest, set aside particularly for preservation.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Umana Yana, Georgetown on Saturday evening, Granger stated that Guyana’s biodiversity was more precious than the boon of oil and must be protected from further threats which cause irreparable physical damage.

As such, the Iwokrama Rainforest must breathe under a new covenant and adapt to change in order to fight extinction.

He added that a document was in the making, which would speak to education and research, becoming a cornerstone for students in the botany and wider biology fields.

“Iwokrama must

President David Granger

change to survive; it can no longer subsist under the old covenant which played a pivotal role over the past 30 years … Dinosaurs became extinct because they could not adapt to change. If organisms cannot change, they cannot survive.

Change is imperative and indispensable for improvement. Iwokrama will not survive unless it adapts to the challenges imposed by climate change. Change is taking place at a rapid pace and is improving our knowledge of the environment.

Institutions which do not prepare for the continuous changes in the environment will become irrelevant,” the President insisted.

He added Iwokrama would not be allowed to become a lifeless monument or museum or, worst, a timber grant or gold mine, adding that a new covenant would be crafted to ensure Iwokrama’s survival and success, in perpetuity.

The new covenant will be functional rather than ornamental.

The Iwokrama covenant was sealed in November 1995 with the signing of the agreement between the Guyana Government and the Commonwealth Secretariat for the establishment of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development.

This agreement had a central aim of: “undertaking research, training and the development of technologies which will promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rain forests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general.”

However, the President divulged that this mission has not been fully accomplished by the Centre due to other global situations in the past

The famous Iwokrama Canopy, which is nestled in the protected rainforest

which diverted funding.

“The Centre, as a result, has been unable to access adequate assets to execute its mission fully. The Centre is here to stay, however, and remains relevant to the national responses to local and global environmental threats. It is part of the solution to the adverse effects of climate change – such as the extreme weather; rising sea levels, precipitous levels of biodiversity loss, and diminishing freshwater supplies – to which the world is seeking solutions. It is immense, impressive, irreplaceable; it provides priceless environmental and ecological services

to the earth and remains vital to the protection of the world’s biodiversity, fresh air and freshwater supplies,” he expressed.

There are plans to place another two million hectares under conservation, in keeping with the commitments under the Paris Agreement and to enforce a ban on the exportation of wildlife.

According to Granger, policies aimed at lowering deforestation rates and enhancing timber monitoring will also be announced.

Guiana Shield

He reminded that Guyana is at the centre of the Guiana Shield, regarded as the last re-

maining tract of pristine rainforest in the world.

The Shield spreads across a distance of 2.7 million square kilometres and across other countries such as Suriname, Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia within the South American continent.

As it relates to revenues from the oil and gas resources, Granger said funds would be injected into the protection of the protected areas, including Iwokrama and the Konashen Protected Area. The latter comprises 7000 square kilometres which was accredited to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

NEWS

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MONday, DECEMBER 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Attack on teacher viewed as a criminal act – Education Ministry … Police probe underway

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

T

he Education Ministry on Sunday said that the attack on a teacher at the Winfer Gardens Primary School last Wednesday was “unacceptable” and constituted a criminal act.

The Grade One teacher was attacked and beaten by a parent, whose child is a student in her class.

In a statement, the Education Ministry stated that since the incident was criminal in nature, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched an investigation to bring clarity.

“The Ministry of

Education condemns, in the strongest possible way, the unfortunate and unacceptable incident which occurred at the Winfer Gardens Primary School on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 between a teacher and parent. This matter has been promptly placed for attention and action by the Guyana Police Force since it is criminal in nature,” the statement read.

Until the probe is completed, several actions will be taken to ensure that the security of students and teachers are not compromised. On Friday, a parent indicated to Guyana Times that they were not allowed to enter the school before classes commenced. This sparked many outspoken concerns about the smaller students, who entered the school last September.

“Several internal approaches, including strengthening of security at schools, are being adopted by the Ministry in an effort to deal with this matter without prejudicing the ongoing investigations which have been launched by the

Winfer Gardens Primary School

Yolanda Jackson

Guyana Police Force,” the Ministry stated.

Meanwhile, teachers were cautioned to abide by all policies set out by the Ministry for public schools.

“The Ministry, in the same vein, wishes to remind parents to ensure that they always act responsibly as they are the first role models for their children.

Teachers are also reminded to always act in accordance with policies and due procedures that have been established. The Ministry cannot and will not tolerate violence in our schools.”

On the said day of the incident, the teacher, Yolanda

Jackson, was visited by the parent within the confines of the school, located on East Street, Georgetown. An eyewitness indicated that a verbal confrontation ensued between the teacher and the woman. Shortly after, the physical attack started in the presence of students.

Teachers and students who witnessed the incident detailed that Jackson was “dragged on the floor”, “kicked”, “punched” and “slammed” by the lone parent and the entire confrontation lasted several minutes. While the teacher’s injuries were not critical, she was bleeding from the head with “cuts and bruises” about her body. She received stitches for the cut to

her head.

While the motive behind the attack was not clearly determined, it is alleged that the assailant’s child was recently beaten severely at the hands of the teacher. Photos surfacing on social media showed the five-year-old’s swollen fingers and marks across the upper arm. Nevertheless, educators at the institution clearly expressed that “violence is not the answer”.

14 NEWS

monday, DECEMBER 2, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Pirara Bridge reopened to vehicular traffic …commuters cite worsening of Lethem trail during rainy season

S

ome three weeks after the Pirara Bridge in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was dubbed inaccessible to

vehicular traffic, the structure was finally reopened following rehabilitative works.

Initially, the structur-

al integrity of the bridge was compromised after a segment of the beams suffered damage. The Public Infrastructure Ministry

subsequently stated that emergency works would commence, and a bypass road was created to facilitate traffic.

Guyana Times was informed on Sunday that the motorists were given the green light to use the structure, which is located a short distance from the township of Lethem.

While the bridge has been mended, this newspaper was told that the state of the auxiliary roads and the Linden-Lethem trail continue to affect the transportation of goods and people into the interior.

In July, this publication had reported that the Linden-Lethem trail had returned to its deplorable state just about two weeks after it had been repaired.

The trail was flooded with holes and unforeseen breakage at major intervals. Presently, the rainy season has been cited concerns once again.

During that time, residents of Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) who faced the brunt of transportation-related challenges were pleading with the authorities to offer a long-term solution.

Further, the road users alleged that a major contributing factor was the awarding of contracts to inexperienced contractors. A bus operator who also resides in Mahdia, Orlando Phillips indicated that if the Government awarded the contracts to reputable contracting firms, the road could be fixed for the long term.

“These fly-by-night contracting companies that the Government giving contract to is the prob-

The state of the Linden-Lethem trail back in July

lem. They don’t know anything about road works.

Somebody should be investigating these people and monitoring them because is we the people left to suffer,” he had noted.

That time, a minibus became stuck in a ditch on the flooded trail for several hours. A passenger, Raymond Charles reached out to Guyana Times. He explained that the trip would take four hours more than usual owing to the deteriorated state of the roadways.

This was just weeks after rehabilitative works

were done on the road.

The remedial works, which commenced on June 23 and were completed on June 28, 2019, were expected to bring relief to minibus operators and passengers who traverse the trail. However, they lasted for about two weeks.

The works were done on certain patches and major holes were filled. This was confirmed by the Mayor of the mining town, David Adams, who told Guyana Times that the works were done by the Regional Administration of Region Eight.

news

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monday, DECEMBER 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

US Coast Guard seize 5500 White House says it will not participate in lbs cocaine in Caribbean Wednesday’s Trump impeachment hearing

T

T

he Unites States Coast Guard says the crew of the Cutter Mohawk (WMEC-913) returned to their home port of Key West, Florida, after a 75-day patrol throughout the Caribbean during which they interdicted three suspected drug vessels, detained 15 suspected drug smugglers and seized more than 5,500 pounds of cocaine.

The patrol was in support of the Miami-based US Southern Command Joint Interagency Task Force South and the Coast Guard 7th District.

During the patrol, the Coast Guard said the cutter crew conducted a joint-operation with the Royal Netherlands Navy for one of the interdictions “to help strengthen international partnerships and interoperability in the wider Caribbean area of responsibility”.

“The Mohawk crew safely interdicted and repatriated more than 150 migrants back to their countries of origin, extending the (US) Department of Homeland Security’s Border Security mission into the maritime domain,” the Coast Guard said.

Between operational tasking, it said the cutter crew completed damage control, seamanship and navigation drills, as well

as aviation training with an embarked Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.

“The Mohawk’s crew worked with multiple interagency and international maritime patrol aircraft and surface assets to counter transnational criminal organizations hindering the illicit flow of drugs, people and other dangerous cargo into the United States,” the US Coast Guard said. (CMC)

he White House told Democratic lawmakers on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump would not send legal counsel to participate in a congressional impeachment hearing this week, citing a lack of “fundamental fairness.”

The White House’s decision was in response to the first of two crucial deadlines it faces in Congress this week as Democrats prepared to shift the focus of their impeachment inquiry from fact-finding to the consideration of possible charges of misconduct over Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, tasked with considering charges known as articles of impeachment, had given Trump until 6 p.m. (2300 GMT) on Sunday to say whether he would dispatch a lawyer to take part in the judiciary panel’s proceeding on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump

“We cannot fairly be expected to participate in a hearing while the witnesses are yet to be named and while it remains unclear whether the Judiciary Committee will afford the President a fair process through additional hearings,” White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote to Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, according to a copy of a letter seen by Reuters.

Cipollone - who cited a “complete lack of due process and fundamental fairness afforded the president”

in the impeachment process - added the White House would respond separately by a Friday deadline on whether Trump would mount a defense in further impeachment proceedings.

The Judiciary Committee’s Democratic staff did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the White House’s refusal to participate in the hearing, which would have been the first direct involvement by the Trump camp in a process he has condemned as a partisan “witch hunt.”

Congressional investigators have been looking into whether Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to launch investigations of former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, who is running to unseat him in the 2020 presidential election, and a discredited conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. (Excerpt from Reuters)

IMF Working Paper confirms Caribbean countries highly exposed to external factors

A

n International Monetary Fund (IMF) Working Paper has confirmed that Caribbean countries are highly exposed to external factors.

Using data from 1980 to 2017, the paper, “The Caribbean and Its Linkages with the World: A GVAR Model Approach,” says that a fall in oil prices and an increase in the US gross domestic product (GDP), as examples, have a “positive and large impact” on most Caribbean countries after controlling for financial variables, exchange rate fluctuations and overall price changes.

The paper uses a Global Vector Auto-regressive

(GVAR) model tailored for the Caribbean region, which includes its major trading partners, representing altogether around 60 per cent of the global economy.

“We provide stylized facts of the main interrelations between the Caribbean region and the rest of the world, and then we quantify the impact of external shocks on Caribbean countries through the application of two case studies: A change in the international price of oil, and an increase in the US GDP,” say the authors Mauricio Vargas and Daniela Hess.

“The results from the model help to disentangle

effects from various channels that interact at the same time, such as flows of tourists, trade of goods, and changes in economic conditions in the largest economies of the globe,” they add.

The report says that global spill-overs are a central element in international economics and that Caribbean countries are “as acutely exposed to them as many others”.

It says that production and trade in goods and services, and financial flows depend not only on internal market supply and demand forces but also on competitiveness and world growth. During the past decades, the paper notes,

many small and large countries have leaned towards trade openness and financial liberalisation, stating that some evidence suggests that this might benefit their economies.

Notwithstanding, the paper says a strong degree of integration poses additional risks to small open economies that may suffer disproportionately from shifting economic conditions in the largest economies of the globe, “as they are less able to diversify away from the sectors in which they have comparative advantages”.

“That is the case for most Caribbean countries, which are highly internationally integrated, es-

pecially through tourism flows – a sector often hit hard by downturns in larger economies,” the paper says.

To quantify the strength of macroeconomic linkages between Caribbean countries and the rest of the world, the paper introduces a Caribbean-tailored GVAR model.

The IMF GVAR model features 45 developing, emerging market and advanced economies, of which 15 are Caribbean.

The analysis focuses on specific spill-overs for Caribbean countries, such as the effect of an expansionary policy in the United States or an oil price drop.

The paper says one of the main advantages of implementing a GVAR model to assess macroeconomic impacts of external shocks is that “it allows to internalise second round effects that are usually considered as exogenous or static in less sophisticated models”.

The IMF Working Paper says measuring linkages between different regions of the globe is a challenge.

However, it says the GVAR methodology “shows itself to be useful to condense large amounts of information in a way that permits researchers to isolate global shocks or country-specific shocks and gauge their impact across the board”. (CMC)

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, december 2, 2019

Regional

Brazil's Bolsonaro accuses DiCaprio of giving cash “to set Amazon on fire”

B

razil's President Jair Bolsonaro has accused Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio of "giving money to set the Amazon on fire".

The President gave no evidence, but in the past has accused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) critical of his policies of starting fires that ravaged the rainforest this year.

Several arrests have been

Leonardo DiCaprio

made amid controversial and unproven allegations fires

were started to obtain funding.

DiCaprio, who has pledged US$5 million for the Amazon, denied Bolsonaro's claim.

The latest comments appear to arise from the arrest of four volunteer firefighters from northern Pará state on allegations they started fires to generate NGO donations.

Rights groups, NGOs and critics claimed the Police operation against them was politically motivated and an at-

Shootouts in northern Mexico kill 21, pile pressure on President

C

lashes between Police and suspected cartel gunmen in a northern Mexican town killed 21 people this weekend, authorities said, adding fuel to bilateral tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump’s vow to designate the drug gangs as terrorists.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is pushing a less confrontational approach to subduing the cartels, repeated on Sunday that he would not accept any intervention from abroad, while doubling down on his strategy of containment.

But the killings clouded celebrations marking his first

year in office, which were buffeted by a march in Mexico City by thousands of people protesting the violence.

The government of the northern state of Coahuila said local security forces killed seven gunmen early on Sunday, adding to 10 others who were shot dead during exchanges in and around the small town of Villa Union not far from the Texas border.

Four Police were also killed and six wounded in the shootouts, which stunned residents of the town around midday on Saturday, sparking alarm on social media and fresh criticism of the Government’s approach to handling the pow-

erful gangs.

Riding into town in a convoy of heavily armed pickups, gunmen sprayed the offices of the mayor of Villa Union with bullets and fought Police for more than an hour.

Heavy gunfire echoed through the town on videos broadcast on social media and local television.

Most of the downed gunmen, who were suspected members of the Cartel of the Northeast from Tamaulipas state to the east, were killed by State Police in pursuit of the raiding party after it fled the town, Coahuila’s government said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Persad-Bissessar lays out big plans for T&T

A

proposal to bring back a more efficient Petrotrin is chief among the plans Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar laid out at Saturday night's United National Congress (UNC) rally.

The rally was a culmination of weeks of campaigning for today's Local Government Elections and a day of motorcades by each of the candidates.

The rally, at Centre Pointe Mall, Chaguanas, started later than advertised with people streaming in long after the planned start.

A scattered gathering en-

joyed the music while waiting for the event to begin.

For Petrotrin, which the PNM Government shut down a year ago and restructured into four separate companies, Persad-Bissessar said the current structure was a "recipe for disaster".

She said, "In today's competitive oil market, an integrated petroleum company stands a far better chance of survival than a company broken up into its constituent parts, operating in silos."

Currently, the Patriotic Energies and Technologies Company Ltd, a company

wholly owned by the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU), won the State bid to take over the refinery aspect of the defunct Petrotrin. The union boss, Ancel Roget clashed several times with Persad-Bissessar over that matter as he claimed she did not want the Union to get into the other side of the energy business. A claim which she dismissed.

Persad-Bissessar said that once her party takes over, they will reunite the four parts of Petrotrin under a single umbrella. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Irving Burgie: Songwriter of calypso hit “Day-O” dies aged 95

U

S composer Irving Burgie, who helped to popularise Caribbean music with hit songs like “Day-O”, has died aged 95.

His death was confirmed

by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who called for a moment of silence for the man who wrote its national anthem.

Burgie is best known for helping singer Harry Belafonte bring calypso music to the mainstream.

The 1950s song “Day-O” went on to be used in films, adverts and even as a wake-up call for astronauts in space.

The calypso hit, also known as The Banana Boat Song, featured in the popular film “Beetlejuice” and has been sampled by rapper Lil Wayne and singer Jason Derulo.

US media reports say

Irving Burgie also wrote the lyrics to the national anthem of Barbados

Burgie died on Friday as a result of complications from heart failure.

His website says his songs have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

Burgie wrote eight of the 11 songs on Harry Belafonte's 1956 album “Calypso”, which was the first album in the US

to sell more than a million copies.

During his career, the composer worked with artists including Jimmy Buffett, Chuck Berry and Sam Cooke.

His other well-known songs include “Island in the Sun”, “Jamaica Farewell” and “Mary's Boy Child”, which he co-wrote.

Brooklyn-born Burgie did not begin pursuing a career in music until he returned from serving in an all-black US Army battalion in World War Two. He then used the benefits he received as a war veteran to fund his studies at New York's prestigious Juilliard performing arts school and went on to launch a career as a singer and guitarist before moving into writing songs for others. (BBC News)

Fires that burned in August caused global concern for the "lungs of the planet"

tempt to harass environmental groups.

Fires that burned in August this year caused global concern for the "lungs of the planet".

His latest accusation came during brief remarks at the presidential residence on Friday.

"This Leonardo DiCaprio is a cool guy, right? Giving money to torch the Amazon."

He gave no evidence and did not elaborate, although the statement appeared to echo a live webcast he gave on Thursday.

That revolved around

the environmental organisation, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and allegations, denied by the WWF, that it had paid for images taken by the arrested firefighters, who have since been released.

Bolsonaro said: "So what did the NGO do? What is the easiest thing? Set fire to the forest. Take pictures, make a video. [WWF] makes a campaign against Brazil, it contacts Leonardo DiCaprio, he donates US$500,000.

"A part of that went to the people that were setting fires.

Leonardo DiCaprio, you are contributing to the fire in the Amazon, that won't do," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuelan Opposition to investigate report of wrongdoing by lawmakers

V

enezuela’s Opposition on Sunday said it would investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of Opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the Government of President Nicolás Maduro.

Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó said he would speak on Sunday about “acts of corruption”, hours after website Armando.info reported that the alleged wrongdoing involved legislators from Opposition parties First Justice and Popular Will.

The scandal comes as Opposition efforts to oust Maduro lose steam and Guaidó, who has been recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, struggles to launch a new wave of street protests.

“I will announce decisions and measures that go directly against those who seek to undermine the people’s faith in us,” tweeted Guaidó,

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who many nations have recognised as the country's rightful interim ruler, attends a protest march against Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, November 16, 2019

who in January invoked the Constitution to declare himself interim President after declaring Maduro a usurper.

“I will not allow corruption to put at risk everything we have fought for.”

According to the Armando. info report, the legislators wrote letters of support for a Colombian national, Carlos Lizcano, to the U. Treasury and Colombia’s Public Prosecutor’s Office despite evidence of his ties to Alex Saab, another Colombian man who is under US sanction for corruption associated with Maduro’s State-

backed food distribution programme.

The US Treasury Department and Colombia’s Public Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

First Justice said in a statement it was investigating three legislators identified in the report and was seeking their removal from Parliament’s anti-corruption mission.

Popular Will, Guaidó’s party, said in a statement that it had suspended three legislators. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Call for Caricom Heads to respond to travel tax petition

A

group calling themselves Caribbean Citizens Against High IntraRegional Travel Taxes is calling for the Heads of Government in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to respond to a travel tax petition.

The group said that over the last two weeks packages containing copies of the petition bearing over 20,000 signatures were dispatched to the offices of the Caricom Heads of Government and the

Secretariat in Guyana.

The group noted that a letter to each Head of Government, cogently outlining the case for dialogue on the “vexing issue of high intra-regional Caribbean travel taxes and fees” was also included in the packages.

To date, the group said, only the offices of the President of Guyana, Brigadier David Granger and Dr Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada have acknowledged receipt of the communication.

Accordingly, the group said it is calling on the other Caricom Heads of Government to respond to the petition submitted to their offices.

“By signing our petition, the people of the region are collectively asking to be heard on the important issue of intra-regional Caribbean travel taxes. We hope that our leaders see it fit to engage with their constituents on this important matter,” the group said in its statement.

(CMC)

9 trampled to death at party in Brazil

N

ine people were trampled to death early on Sunday after two suspects firing guns and being chased by Brazilian Police entered a party with roughly 5000 people, according to a Police statement.

Police officers were

chasing two men riding a motorcycle when suspects fired guns against them in Paraisopolis, a poor neighbourhood of Sao Paulo. The suspects entered a party playing funk music, causing a stampede, the police said.

Police spokesman

Emerson Massera told Journalists Police used chemical weapons and rubber bullets after being attacked at the party.

He said the Police opened a probe to check if the officers’ actions were appropriate. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, december 2, 2019

17

Around the World

China due to introduce face New Orleans shooting: 11 scans for mobile users victims near French Quarter P olice in New Orleans say there have been 11 victims of a shooting incident near the French Quarter tourist hub.

Two people are in critical condition, with shots to the chest and torso respectively. No fatalities have been reported.

The incident took place on Canal St between Bourbon and Chartres streets at about 03:20 local time (09:20 GMT) on Sunday.

Police said on their Twitter feed that "one suspect had been apprehended near the scene".

They later said the person's possible involvement was still under investigation and that no arrests had yet been made. No other details have been given.

Police and forensics teams inspect the scene in Canal Street

The victims have all been taken to hospital.

Video footage from the scene showed numerous police vehicles cordoning off the area as forensic teams made checks.

Local media quoted Police Superintendent

Shaun Ferguson as saying officers on the 700 block of Canal Street at the time believed that they were being fired upon.

He said: "Unfortunately, there were so many people out here we were unable to determine who was actually

firing shots at the time. We do not know how it started."

No Police Officers were hurt.

The French Quarter has been hosting holidaymakers marking the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Thousands of fans and alumni have also been drawn to the city for the Bayou Classic football game traditionally played on Thanksgiving weekend between Southern University and Grambling State University.

On the same weekend in 2016, a man was killed and nine other people wounded in a shooting on Bourbon St. In June 2014, another shooting incident on Bourbon St left one person dead and nine injured.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

At least 14 killed in attack on Burkina Faso church

A

t least 14 people including teenagers were shot dead in an attack on a church in eastern Burkina Faso during mass on Sunday morning, a security source and a local official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The identity of the gunmen was not yet clear and further details on the attack

had yet to emerge.

This year an Islamist insurgency in Burkina Faso has ignited ethnic and religious tensions, rendering large parts of the country ungovernable, especially in the northern areas bordering restive Mali.

The attack took place in the village of Foutouri in the Est region, the sources said,

an area historically known for banditry and that has come under attack over the past year from suspected jihadist groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

On November 6, gunmen opened fire on a convoy of buses carrying mine workers in the Est region, killing 39.

The timing of the incident, during hours of wor-

ship, mirrors other attacks on Christians this year – a new phenomenon in a West African country that has long prided itself on its religious tolerance.

Burkina Faso was once a pocket of calm in the region, but the past year’s violence has killed hundreds and forced nearly a million people from their homes. (Reuters)

gional council lawmaker was at wheel of the car when it was attacked, said the source, who wished to remain anonymous.

The Internal Affairs Ministry has not identified the owner of the vehicle or the identity of the victim.

“As a result of a gun-

shot wound, a child died in a car ambulance on the way to hospital,” Ukraine’s Internal Affairs Ministry said on Facebook.

Sobolev is a businessman from Donetsk, a flashpoint of pro-Russian insurgency in Ukraine. In 2010-2011 he was an exec-

utive at Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz.

There have been several murders of well-known figures on the streets of Kiev since Russia annexed Crimea and a pro-Moscow rebellion flared up in east Ukraine in 2014. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China has for years been trying to enforce rules to ensure that everyone using the Internet does so under their "real-name" identities

P

eople in China are now required to have their faces scanned when registering new mobile phone services, as the authorities seek to verify the identities of the country's hundreds of millions of internet users.

The regulation, announced in September, was due to come into effect on Sunday.

The Government says it wants to "protect the legitimate rights and interest of citizens in cyberspace".

China already uses facial recognition technology to survey its population.

It is a world leader in such technologies, but their

intensifying use across the country in recent years has sparked debate.

When signing up for new mobile or mobile data contracts, people are already required to show their national identification card (as required in many countries) and have their photos taken.

But now, they will also have their faces scanned in order to verify that they are a genuine match for the ID provided.

China has for years been trying to enforce rules to ensure that everyone using the Internet does so under their "real-name" identities.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Malta Prime Minister Ukrainian lawmaker's son Joseph Muscat to killed in attack in Kiev – source resign in new year

U

nknown gunmen opened fire at the car of a local lawmaker in the centre of Ukrainian capital of Kiev on Sunday, killing his three-year old son, a Police source said.

Vyacheslav Sobolev, a businessman and Kiev re-

Hyderabad rape-murder: Iraq unrest: Parliament approves PM's resignation Main accused dodged

I

Iraq’s President Barham Saleh

raq's Parliament has approved the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi following weeks of unrest.

It is unclear who will take over from Abdul Mahdi. The Parliament Speaker said President Barham Saleh would be asked to name a new Prime Minister. Meanwhile the Pope has become the latest figure to condemn security forces' use of lethal force.

Some 400 people have

been killed since protests began in Baghdad and other cities at the start of October.

Thousands more have been injured. Iraqis are demanding jobs, an end to corruption and better public services.

On Sunday, clashes continued in cities including Baghdad and Najaf.

The decision by Parliament to approve Abdul Mahdi's resignation was made in an emergency session called on Sunday.

Existing laws in Iraq do not clearly set out a way for Members of Parliament to deal with a Prime Minister's resignation, but lawmakers on Sunday acted on the legal opinion of the supreme court, according to the Associated Press news agency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

officials hrs before crime

People hold candles during a protest against the alleged rape and murder of a veterinary doctor

T

he main accused in the gang-rape and murder of a young veterinary doctor on the outskirts of Hyderabad last Wednesday had been driving a truck for more than two years without a licence and was never caught until around 48 hours before the heinous crime.

But even when Mohd Ali, alias Areef, was intercepted by vigilance and transport

staff at Mahbubnagar on Nov 25, he evaded arrest and seizure of his truck. Police said Ali made the truck immobile as officials were impounding it, and then drove away when they had moved on.

These details emerged during the probe into how he and three alleged accomplices conspired to target the veterinary doctor, Police said. (Excerpt from Times of India)

M

altese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has announced on national TV that he will step down in the new year, amid a crisis over a murdered journalist.

He said he would ask the ruling Labour Party to begin the process to choose his successor on January 12.

Demonstrators have demanded his immediate resignation over the inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia's death.

She was killed by a car bomb in 2017 as she investigated corruption among Malta's business and political elite.

A businessman with alleged links to Government officials was charged with complicity in the murder on Saturday.

Explaining his decision to quit, Muscat said of the way the murder inquiry had been handled: "Some decisions were good while others could have been better made."

"All the responsibility I had to shoulder surely does not compare to the pain that the victim's family is enduring," he added.

He said he would resign as leader of the Labour Party on January 12 and as Prime Minister "in the days after".

PM Joseph Muscat has been in office six years

Muscat has been in power for six years, winning two elections by a landslide and presiding over a period of prosperity and social reform in the EU's smallest member state.

"Malta needs to start a new chapter and only I can give that signal," Muscat said.

He took the decision after a four-hour meeting with Labour's parliamentary group, at which Members of Parliament gave "unanimous support to all decisions which the Prime Minister will be taking".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, december 2, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

dilbert

(April 20May 20)

Peanuts

Keep your spirits high, your thoughts positive and your plans doable. Don’t give in to someone trying to pressure or tempt you into something indulgent, risky or objectionable.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Stay calm and enjoy what you have instead of making comparisons to neighbors, relatives or peers. Life isn’t a contest; the only one you should compete with is yourself.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Plan to have some fun.

Distance yourself from people who are angry or pushy.

Make an adjustment because you want to, not because someone is pressuring you.

VIRGO

Seize an opportunity.

Gather information and facts, and don’t be shy when it comes to presenting what you have to offer. Focus on personal gain, growth and happiness. Romance is encouraged.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Concentrate on your life, not on getting involved in someone else’s business. The time wasted doing things for others will end up costing you or cause you to miss out on something you should do.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

An emotional situation will escalate if you let someone trap you into something you don’t want to do. Don’t lead someone on; be upfront, say no and do your own thing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Observe what others do and say. Don’t respond if you aren’t satisfied with the information you’re given. Keep your emotions tucked away somewhere safe. Take care of your emotional well-being.

Not everyone will be pleased with your accomplishments. Refuse to let someone’s jealousy stand between you and the success you deserve. Let your instincts overrule emotional manipulation.

Rethink your objective.

SAGITTARIUS Consider if what you are (Nov. 23currently doing will bring Dec. 21) you the satisfaction you are searching for. Aim to take better care of your health, wealth and loved ones.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

LAST PUBLISHED WORD

SOLUTION FOr LAST PUBLISHED puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Take care of business.

Stand up, be a leader and achieve your goal. A passionate attitude will draw attention and give you a chance to weed out what’s holding you back.

Take a flexible approach when dealing with people who aren’t compliant. Offer space and time for others to think matters through. Your time will be better spent on achieving personal goals.

Turn possibilities into something tangible. It’s up to you to go after what you want and to explore the best route to take. Distance yourself from emotional manipulators.

monday, DECember 2, 2019

19

round-up: Harden scores 60 as Rockets dominate Hawks

J

ames Harden scored 60 points to reach the mark for the fourth time in his career, as the Houston Rockets steamrolled the visiting Atlanta Hawks 158-111 on Saturday night.

Harden made 16 of 24 fieldgoal attempts — the fewest ever in a 60-point game — including 8 of 14 from 3-point range, and connected on 20 of 23 free-throw attempts. He played just 31 minutes due to the one-sided contest and fell one point shy of his career high of 61, accomplished twice. Harden’s fourth 60-point outing ties for third in NBA history with Michael Jordan. Only Wilt Chamberlain (32) and Kobe Bryant (six) have more.

“That’s a great list right there. Those guys are something that I’m trying to get to,” Harden said in a postgame television interview. “Hopefully when it is all said and done, I can be mentioned in that group forever.”

Harden, who also had eight assists, became the fourth player to score 50 or more points on 20 occasions, trailing Chamberlain (118), Jordan (31) and Bryant (25).

Kings 100, Nuggets 97 (OT

Harrison Barnes scored four of his game-high 30 points in succession to put Sacramento in front in overtime, and Buddy Hield hit two late free throws to help the hosts, after a furious fourth-quarter rally,

earn a victory over Denver.

Denver, which led by 14 points with 7:21 remaining in regulation, took one final lead on a 3-pointer by Gary Harris in the second minute of the extra session.

But the Nuggets, losing for

quarter, paced jump-shootguards Terry and Devonte’ but got no The Bucks

the first time after six straight victories, didn’t score again until Harris dropped in two free throws with 14.9 seconds remaining following two free throws and a short-range hoop by Barnes that helped put the Kings on top.

Hield’s clinching foul shots came with 9.5 seconds left.

the gap to 23 points three minutes out of halftime. Wesley Matthews hit back-to-back 3-pointers early in the period, part of his 3-for-6 shooting from deep and 14 points.

Robin Lopez knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points. The Bucks hit 20 of 44 (45.5 percent) from long range as a team.

76ers 119, Pacers 116

Bucks 137, Hornets 96

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points in just 20 minutes of action, leading nine Milwaukee players in double figures in the team’s 11th straight win, a rout over visiting Charlotte.

The Bucks never trailed, building a double-digit lead less than seven minutes into the first quarter. The Hornets trimmed the deficit to three early in the second

by the ing of Rozier Graham, closer. quickly pushed

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after a made three-point shot against the Atlanta Hawks (USA Today)

Joel Embiid had 32 points and 11 rebounds while hitting all 15 of his free throws to lift host Philadelphia past Indiana.

It was Embiid’s 12th double-double as the Sixers improved to 9-0 at home.

They also won their third in a row overall. Tobias Harris scored 22 points, Al Horford added 15 and Ben Simmons (7-for-7 from the free-throw line) had 15 points, 13 assists, six rebounds and four steals.

T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 29 points, while Malcolm Brogdon added 28. Jeremy Lamb scored 15 points, and Domantas Sabonis had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who had their five-game winning streak snapped. (Reuters)

Hamilton dominates in Abu Dhabi GP for 11th victory of the season

L

ewis Hamilton dominated the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to end the season in which he won a sixth world drivers’ title on a high.

The Mercedes driver led away from pole position and cruised off into the distance, untroubled by anyone behind.

In a soporific race, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took a comfortable second after Ferrari slipped backwards.

Charles Leclerc ran second in the early laps, ahead of Verstappen, but slipped back to third.

Leclerc held off an attack from Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in the closing stages, the Finn right on his gearbox on the final lap, after an excellent race from the back of the grid.

Leclerc was at risk of losing third place because governing body the FIA discovered before the race that the amount of fuel Ferrari said was in his car was different

Ooops: Lewis Hamilton nearly dropped his winner’s trophy on the podium (EPA)

from the amount that was when it was checked.

But after a post-race investigation, Ferrari were

fined €50,000 for what had been a 4.88kg discrepancy and the result stood.

Total domination from Hamilton

Hamilton’s victory was his 11th of the 21 races that

have been held this season,

and equals his previous best performance - in 2014 and 2018.

It also moves his career total to 84 wins, just seven behind the all-time record held

by Michael Schumacher.

That sets the 34-year-old Briton up to potentially exceed Schumacher’s win tally and match his all-time record of seven world championships in 2020.

He was in a race of his own from the start, quickly opening a sizeable gap over Leclerc and never looking under any threat thereafter.

Hamilton, who tied up the title last month at the US Grand Prix, said: “I’m proud but just super-grateful for this incredible team and all at Mercedes who have continued to push this year.

“Even though we had the championship won we wanted to keep our head down and see if we could extract more from this beautiful car.” (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monday, DECember 2, 2019

Ole Gunnar not concerned with league position after draw with AVL M

anager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United’s league position is not a concern after a home draw with newly promoted Aston Villa left them ninth after 14 games.

Tyrone Mings’ first Premier League goal levelled the scores shortly after Victor Lindelof had given United a 64th-minute lead, though, the England defender did have to wait to see if it would be ruled out by the assistant video referee (VAR).

But the assistant referee kept his flag down and VAR proved he was correct to do so as Villa avoided defeat at Old Trafford for the first time since 2009.

Villa skipper Jack Grealish gave his side a deserved lead with a magnificent curling shot after 11 minutes only for United to equalise against the run of play just before the interval when a Marcus Rashford header hit the inside of a post before bouncing in off the back of former United keeper Tom Heaton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men pushed forward looking for a late winner but Anthony Martial failed to convert their best chance as United had to settle for a second successive draw against a promoted team.

United have now taken just 18 points from their opening 14 league games.

That means Solskjaer must guide them to wins in their next three games if they are to surpass the 26 points Jose Mourinho amassed when he was sacked after 17 games in 2018-19.

Aubameyang has scored 10 goals in 11 league appearances against newly-promoted sides for Arsenal (Getty Images)

Leicester stun Everton to stand second

Leicester City inflicted the cruellest of blows on beleaguered Everton manager Marco Silva as Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppage-time winner - awarded by the video assistant review kept the Foxes on the heels of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Silva appears to be managing Everton on a game-bygame basis after the club’s power-brokers met to discuss his future following the dismal home defeat by Norwich City - and it looked like he would claim a precious point here until just seconds before the end of a pulsating game.

Iheanacho placed a composed finish past Everton

goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with the linesman’s flag raised for offside but after a lengthy wait, the goal was given amid wild celebrations from Leicester’s players and manager Brendan Rodgers as they kept Liverpool’s lead at eight points.

Everton deservedly led at half-time after Richarlison headed in powerfully from Djibril Sidibe’s cross, although Leicester had a penalty rightly ruled out by VAR after Ben Chilwell went down in a challenge with Mason Holgate.

Silva’s side were pulled back after 68 minutes when Jamie Vardy arrived unmarked at the back post to steer in Iheanacho’s effort as it flew across the face of goal.

Vardy missed a good chance to win it for Leicester but then came that dramatic finale - and now Silva must wait to see if he is in charge for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Wolves unbeaten run continues

Wolves remain sixth in the Premier League after Matt Doherty’s equaliser against Sheffield United extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were second best until Doherty headed in Raul Jimenez’s cross after 64 minutes.

But they finished the game stronger as the Blades, who were fortunate not to have George Baldock sent off, hung on to extend their

unbeaten run to six games.

It was a sharp contrast from earlier in the match as the visitors took the lead after 63 seconds.

Lys Mousset took a touch from Baldock’s right-wing cross before firing in his fifth goal of the season.

But Chris Wilder’s team paid for costly misses by David McGoldrick early in the second half when they were in the ascendancy.

Sheffield United, who have not lost away in the league since January, remain a place below Wolves in seventh.

Arsenal can make top 4

Arsenal can “100%” make the top four according to Freddie Ljungberg, whose first match as inter-

im manager ended in a draw against struggling Norwich.

The Gunners, with the Swede at the helm after Unai Emery was sacked on Friday, have not won for eight games.

The result leaves Arsenal eighth in the Premier League, seven points off a place in the top four, while Norwich remain 19th, three points from safety.

However, asked if they can get into one of the automatic Champions League spots, the 42-year-old said: “Yes, 100%. Like you have seen, people drop points here and there and we drop points and it is a bit of a crazy league at the moment.”

While Arsenal started brightly, familiar defensive failings resurfaced as Teemu Pukki ended his eight-game goal drought with a shot that deflected off Shkodran Mustafi.

The hosts’ lead only lasted eight minutes though, with Christoph Zimmermann penalised for handball and PierreEmerick Aubameyang levelling for the visitors with a retaken penalty, after four Norwich players had encroached when his original effort was saved by Tim Krul.

More calamitous defending allowed Todd Cantwell to re-establish Norwich’s lead, with the midfielder slicing through the Gunners defence and placing an effort into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.

However, Aubameyang again drew the visitors level, turning in a loose ball from a corner to ensure Arsenal gained a share of the points.

(BBC Sport)

Watford sack Manager after less than 3 months in charge W

atford have sacked manager Quique Sanchez Flores after Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Southampton, saying “ultimately results have dictated our decision”.

Chris Hughton is a possible successor and the Hornets said a replacement will be appointed “imminently”.

Sanchez Flores, who was in charge for the 2015-16 season, was reappointed on 7 September, replacing Javi Gracia.

But he won just one of his 10 league games in charge with Watford bottom of the Premier League.

In an open letter to Watford fans published on the club website, the 54-year-old Spaniard said the club “will always be in my heart”.

Watford have eight points after 14 games and are six points from safety - their worst return at this stage of a Premier League campaign.

“Quique is a man of great integrity and it was clear how much he wanted to have a positive impact, but ultimately results have dictated our decision,” said chairman

Scott Duxbury.

“The appointment of a new head coach is imminent, and with nearly two-thirds of the season remaining, we will provide all the support necessary to make the coming months successful.”

During Sanchez Flores’ latest spell in charge, they have only beaten Norwich in the league, while losing to Wolves, Chelsea, Burnley and Manchester City, where they were hammered 8-0.

They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Everton in the fourth round.

Since Gianfranco Zola’s exit in December 2013, Watford have had nine managers, including Sanchez Flores twice.

Fellow Spaniard Gracia had been in charge for 21 months making him the first Hornets boss to last more than one full season since Zola.

Sanchez Flores becomes the the third Premier League boss to be sacked in the past two weeks, following Unai Emery at Arsenal on Friday and Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham on 19 November.

Watford are in their fifth sea-

son back in the Premier League since promotion in May 2015.

Gracia had led the club to the FA Cup final last season where they lost 6-0 to Manchester City, as well as 11th place in the Premier League.

They also reached the FA Cup semi-final in 2016 during Sanchez Flores’ first spell as manager.

(BBC Sport)

Sanchez Flores (left) won just one of his 10 league games since returning to Vicarage Road in September

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monday, DECember 2, 2019

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21

BCB/RHTY&SC Busta Champion of Champions 40-Over 1st Division cricket…

RHT Namilco Thunderbolt advance to final T

he Rose Hall Town (RHT) Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team yesterday defeated their Tucber Park counterparts by four wickets in the BCB/RHTY &SC Busta Champion of Champions 40-Over 1st Division cricket competition played at the Area H ground; and will now meet Albion in the final of this competition, which will be played on a date to be announced shortly.

Batting first, Tucber Park scored 159 all out in 37 overs. A collective bowling effort from RHT restricted the visitors to 159 all out, with the bowlers sharing the wickets. Fast bowler Keon Sinclair took 3-4 in 6.1 overs; while Eon Hooper, Shawn Pereira and Jonathan Rampersaud each took two wickets.

Former Berbice Under-19 player Clifton Lindie topscored with 47, while Damion Vantull chipped in with a solid 38.

RHT achieved the target

The victorious Rose Hall team

in 34.4 overs, ending on 1606. Khemraj Mahadeo, who rode his luck after being dropped and mis-stumped, top-scored with 47. His innings included four boundaries and three sixes.

He was supported by the Sinclair brothers, who each had a good outing; Junior Sinclair scored 32, and

Jason Sinclair made 25.

Bowling for Tucber Park, off-spinner Devon Clements took 3-22, while Guyana Jaguars seamer Nial Smith took 2-31.

Hooper’s 5-for sizzles Blairmont, Albion draw bye

On Saturday last, the day before the match mentioned

above was played, RHT captain Eon Hooper spun webs around the Blairmont team to produce figures of 5-13 in a match played at the Albion Community Centre ground.

The off-spinner decimated the Blairmont team for 78 all out in 24.2 overs.

In response, RHT reached the target in 14.5

overs, ending on 80-2.

In the other encounter played at the Albion ground, the home team defeated East Canje’s Young Warriors by 102 runs.

Batting first, Albion scored 273-8 in their allotted 40 overs, chiefly through a brilliant innings of 95 from right-hander Kandasammy Surujnarine, who hit seven fours and one six.

He was supported by Rajiv Ivan, who scored 35.

Left-arm seamer Devandra Ramoutar picked up 3-52 in eight overs, while left-arm spinner Kasim Khan bagged 2-51.

In reply, Young Warriors crashed to 171 all out, with Ishwar Singh contributing 40 and Linden Austin 36.

Sarwan Chaitnarine took 3-33 in a disciplined bowling effort wherein the Albion bowlers collectively took the wickets.

As mentioned before, the date of the final of this tournament will be announced shortly. (Brandon Corlette)

Joshua taking tips from Quarterfinalists decided Klitschko ahead of Ruiz rematch Rio Indoor Streetball Championships…

Former heavyweight champions Wladimir Klitschko (left) and Anthony Joshua

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Sparta Boss’s Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson

F

ollowing a thrilling Saturday night of elimination matches, the likes of Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Rio All-Stars, Gold is Money, Back Circle and Leopold Street have all advanced to the quarterfinal stage of the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championships.

Before a large crowd gathered to witness the proceedings at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, the likes of Sparta Boss, Rio All-Stars, Bent Street, and Leopold Street secured easy wins over their respective opponents.

Newcomers Rio All-Stars mauled Tiger Bay 5-0. A double from Cecil Jackman in the third and 15th minutes of the game, and another double from Kelsey Benjamin in the fourth and 17th minutes of the game, led the rout. And in the 12th minute, Job Caesar added a goal.

Similarly, Bent Street mauled Sophia 4-0. Pernell Schultz, Daniel Wilson,

Clive Nobrega and Adrian Aaron each scored a goal in the fourth, seventh, ninth and 14th minutes of the game.

Likewise, Back Circle cruised past Broad Street 4-1. Trayon Bobb’s hat trick resulted from goals scored in the second, fourth and eighth minutes of the game, while Jermaine Beckles netted in the seventh minute.

On target for Broad Street was Brad Evans in the sixth minute.

Sparta Boss, also, overcame Avocado Ballers 3-1.

Eusi Phillips, Ryan Hackett and Deon Alfred each scored a goal, respectively in the second, 15th and 18th minutes of the game.

For Avocado Ballers, Wesley Greenidge netted in the 13th minute.

Leopold Street crushed Alexander Village 4-1.

Darren Benjamin smashed a goal in both the 15th and 17th minutes of the game.

Assisting with goals in the fifth and 14th minutes were Rafael Edwards and Dorwin

George respectively.

For the loser, Shem Porter netted in the ninth minute.

Gold is Money, however, edged past Albouystown 2-1. Josiah Charles and Randolph Wagner scored in the eighth and 24th minutes respectively. For the loser, Omari James scored in the 16th minute.

In other results, BV squeaked past Showstoppers 3-2. Shemar Fraser scored in the eighth and 14th minutes, while Jemar Harrigon netted in the 26th minute.

For the loser, Stephon Jupiter scored in the fourth and ninth minutes.

Future Stars, also, edged past Kingston 2-1. Daniel Ross and Rondell Bowman each scored, in the 16th and 17th minutes respectively.

For the loser, Simon Emmanuel netted in the 14th minute.

The aforesaid winners will now advance to the quarterfinal round, to be played at the same venue on Saturday, December 7th.

B

ritain’s Anthony Joshua has been taking advice on his training regime and diet from former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko ahead of his title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 7.

Mexican-American Ruiz produced one of boxing’s biggest upsets when he dethroned the previously undefeated world champion Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden in June.

Klitschko was defeated by Joshua in 2017 at Wembley Stadium with a technical knockout and the two boxers have stayed in touch even after the Ukrainian retired later that year at the age of 41.

“He said loads of stuff to me, Wlad was definitely ahead of the game. He’s more disciplined than me, he’s more diplomatic,” Joshua told British media.

“He was giving me dietary and training advice and that is maybe what people are talking about now when they see a difference in my body. Maybe

that’s why — because I’ve adapted some of his teaching — my weight may fluctuate.”

Joshua was dropped to the canvas four times in the June bout by Ruiz and the 30-yearold Briton is looking for redemption having triggered a rematch clause, admitting his first defeat had made him a smarter fighter.

The second WBA, IBF and WBO title showdown has been dubbed the ‘Clash on the Dunes’ but Joshua, a former Olympic champion, said the belts would not define his legacy.

“There’s nothing I’ve missed about being world champion,” Joshua said. “I’ve always said the belt should never define the man. I walked as a champion before I even had a belt.

“This is fighting. One loss doesn’t take the spots off a cheetah. We don’t play games when it comes to boxing, we’re serious and after I took the loss I’ve had time to reflect.

“I now have things to prove to myself. I want to take it more seriously because I’m going to that next level.” (Reuters)

22

monday, DECember 2, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

BCB boss Foster bats for Hetmyer

By Brandon Corlette

A

t this point in his career, Shimron Hetmyer has found himself in an extended rough patch in terms of form; but t h e Berbice

Shimron Hetmyer

Cricket Board (BCB), under the leadership of Hilbert Foster, is urging all cricket lovers, especially those in and from Berbice, to keep faith in this 22-year-old West Indies batsman.

In a statement placed on its social network, the BCB, through Foster, has said that Hetmyer is currently experiencing a difficult patch in his career, and now is the time for

Berbicians to stand together with Hetmyer and show him the love and understanding that he needs.

“Every great player has (had) rough patches; Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Clive Lloyd, Carl Hooper and Geoffrey Boycott all had bad periods in their careers, but the love of family, team mates and their dedicated fans helped them to bounce back. Berbicians are known across the world for our true love for cricket, and we need to rally around Shimron now, and not allow the jealous ones to destroy him mentally,” Foster has detailed in his statement.

This extraordinary cricket administrator has admonished that we remember that Hetmyer has already scored four One Day International (ODI) centuries, and has close to 1000 runs in Tests and over 1200 in ODIs, and he is just 22 years old.

“I am confident that he will turn out to be one of our all-time greats, and would be

compared alongside Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Roy Fredericks and Alvin Kallicharran when his playing days are over. All of us at the BCB are standing firmly behind our hero, and we urge all of you to do the same,” Foster has admonished.

Slated to celebrate his 23rd birthday on December 26, Boxing Day, Hetmyer, who had been excelling on the international stage, has been experiencing a lot of failure for most of 2019.

February 2019 was the last time he scored a century in ODIs – in an innings of 104 against England in Barbados, and he fittingly received much praise for the achievement; the great Sir Garfield Sobers even predicting that Hetmyer would become the next great West Indies player.

That innings was arguably Hetmyer’s best thus far. He scored his first 50 runs in 47 balls, and completed the second in 35

Hilbert Foster

balls. In all, the Berbician hit seven fours and four sixes. That innings was special because he took apart the English bowling line-up that was rated as one of the world’s best.

With the India tour commencing from December 6, Hetmyer should be aiming to sign off the year on a high note in the three T20s and three ODIs in India. On the last occasion when he played India in India, Hetmyer an-

nounced himself with 259 runs in five ODIs, scoring one century and one fifty at an average of 51. That series, which was played in November 2018, ensured Hetmyer an Indian Premier League contract after a good 2018 CPL season.

Hetmyer’s inconsistent run came in the IPL. What will this upcoming series against India bring Hetmyer?

Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival…

George United unbeaten on penultimate night TT national Shaquille Daniel finds a way through the Hikers’ packed defence for TTDF

A

s final night of the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival approaches, the Pepsi Hikers have secured top spot in the men’s division at completion of the pool round.

So close were the final placements that it came down to goal difference between this team and second-placed Queen’s Park. TTDF finished in third position, and will face Queen’s Park in the first semi-final, while fourth-placed Bounty GCC will face Hikers in the second semi-final.

George United played unbeaten in the ExxonMobil ladies division to finish atop the table, and will play against fourth-placed Saints in one semi-final. The other semi-final will be an all-GCC clash, with the GBTI GCC Tigers finishing in second and the Spartans in third.

Unbeaten Queen’s Park face the only team to muster a draw against them – fourth- placed Fatima -- in

the first semi-final of the Lucozade veterans’ division. Local powerhouses Old Old Fort and Vintage GCC, having finished in second and third respectively, will contest the other semi-final.

The surprise of the day’s play can probably be attributed to the Bounty GCC’s 7-2 victory over the vastly improved YMCA Old Fort, who had easily triumphed on the last occasion these two teams had played each other, one month ago in the GTT National Championships.

On this occasion, GCC never seemed genuinely threatened, as they held the lead from inception; and while Old Fort did have their chances, they could not match the offensive force of the GCC. Quite predictably, Queen’s Park got the better of the youthful Saints by a 6-2 margin, while the Hikers etched out a victory over TTDF by a 6-5 margin.

George United made light work

of both their opponents of the day, first defeating the Spartans by 9-2, and then the Saints by 9-0, to secure the top spot in the ExxonMobil women’s competition.

The lone Lucozade veterans match saw Queen’s Park record an impressive 8-3 victory over Vintage GCC. In its beginning stage, the match had looked like it would have been more competitive, but second-half play was all onew a y traffic, as Queen’s P a r k stamped their dominance on an apparently tired Vintage team.

Saints midfielder Mariah Seegobind gets past the tackle of Amanda George of George United

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, DECember 2, 2019

23

Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup…

Sinclair, Cariah star as Emerging Players batter Leewards to claim Colonial Super50 crown on another 84 for the second wicket with man-of-thematch Cariah, who made 34 from 51 before being run out. Julien was dismissed, caught by Thomas off the bowling of Sheeno Berridge, with Emerging Players well poised at 163 for 3. Rolando Cato (31), Kevin Sinclair (28) and Dominic Drakes (38) put on another 97 at the bottom of the order.

Chasing the big target, the Leewards were on the back foot also immediately after losing opener Montcin Hodge for one run with just 11 on the board.

When his partner Kieran Powell ( 1 3 )

A

four-four from spinner Kevin Sinclair and three from Yannic Cariah led the West Indies Emerging Players to a crushing 205 runs victory over and to the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday.

Sent in to bat, Leonardo Julien smashed an enterprising 83 from 85 runs

as the Emerging Players piled up a daunting 293 for 7 in their 50 overs. In their turn at the crease, the Hurricanes never got going as they were scuttled out for just 88.

Opening w i t h K i m a n i Meluis, Julien got Emerging players off to a solid start before, Meluis was caught for 28 by Kacey Carty off the bowling of Jacques Taylor. He went on to put

U

followed soon after, caught by Da Silva off the bowling of Kevin Sinclair the writing was on the wall for the Leewards.

Amir Jangoo provided the most resistance with 20 from 43 deliveries but his innings was brought to an end by Cariah. (SportsMax)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Emerging Team Innings (50 overs maximum) K Melius c Powell b Taylor 28 L Julien c Thomas b Berridge 83 Y Cariah (c) run out (Berridge) 34 J Da Silva † lbw b Berridge 10 JP Greaves c Thomas b Boatswain 8 RO Cato c †Hamilton b Carty 30 K Sinclair c Saunders b Boatswain 28 DC Drakes not out 38 KJ Harding not out 13 Extras 21 (lb 4, w 17) TOTAL 293/7 (50 Overs, RR: 5.86) Did not bat: JJ Levy, A Nedd Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Kimani Melius, 11.3 ov), 2-141 (Yannic Cariah, 27.2 ov), 3-163 (Joshua Da Silva, 29.3 ov), 4-167 (Leonardo Julien, 31.1 ov), 5-188 (Justin Greaves, 35.1 ov), 6-218 (Roland Cato, 41.5 ov), 7-250 (Kevin Sinclair, 46.2 ov) BOWLING QH Boatswain S Berridge JA Campbell JDC Taylor KOA Powell KU Carty

10-0-59-2 10-1-59-2 10-0-53-0 10-0-52-1 6-0-35-0 4-0-31-1

Leeward Islands Innings (target: 294 runs from 50 overs) MV Hodge c †Da Silva

b Harding 1 KOA Powell c †Da Silva b Sinclair 13 AA Jangoo b Cariah 20 DC Thomas c Melius b Nedd 15 KU Carty c Julien b Cariah 8 JN Hamilton (c) † c Melius b Cariah 6 A Saunders run out (Nedd) 1 JDC Taylor b Sinclair 4 JA Campbell c Greaves b Sinclair 10 QH Boatswain not out 0 S Berridge st †Da Silva b Sinclair 0 Extras 10 (b 1, lb 3, nb 1, w 5) TOTAL 88 all out (26.5 Overs, RR: 3.27) Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Montcin Hodge, 2.1 ov), 2-23 (Kieran Powell, 7.5 ov), 3-45 (Devon Thomas, 13.3 ov), 4-64 (Keacy Carty, 17.1 ov), 5-65 (Amir Jangoo, 17.3 ov), 6-71 (Akeem Saunders, 19.1 ov), 7-71 (Jahmar Hamilton, 19.2 ov), 8-83 (Jacques Taylor, 24.5 ov), 9-88 (Jason Campbell, 26.3 ov), 1088 (Sheeno Berridge, 26.5 ov) BOWLING KJ Harding 6-1-13-1 K Sinclair 5.5-1-20-4 JJ Levy 3-0-8-0 A Nedd 4-0-19-1 DC Drakes 3-0-16-0 Y Cariah 5-1-8-3

Guyana’s Akshay Homraj set to make ODI debut for USA in Dubai

SA’s new Australian first-class imports, Ian Holland and Cameron Stevenson, who left impressive footprints in the just concluded Regional Super50 tournament in the West Indies, have been named in the 14-man strong USA touring party for their World Cup League 2 campaign in Dubai.

The duo are well in line to make their ODI debuts alongside former Guyana Under-19 keeper Akshay Homraj who also been named in the squad as USA’s first-choice keeper. Announcement of Homraj’s inclusion meant there is still no room for former vice-captain Jaskaran Malhotra who has been overlooked for the 50-over tournament for the second time.

USA’s selection panel led by Ricardo Powell opted to drop Sagar Patel and Jessy Singh who were the only homegrown players in the squad that toured Trinidad apart from the vice-captain Steven Taylor.

Sagar failed to make any notable contributions opening the batting in the three matches that he played on the tour, scoring 34 in three games with his highest being a scratchy 22. Jessy might have a reason or two to be flustered at the selection process after being cast aside in favour of Elmore and Stevenson. Jessy bagged a four-wicket haul in his last ODI against Namibia in September and sporadically appeared in only four of USA’s 8 Super50

games in the Caribbean.

The team management have kept faith in the current batting unit despite continued batting failures starting from World T20 qualifiers in Bermuda.

USA have played 18 competitive games ever since, with the batsmen crossing the 50-run mark only eight times in as many games.

A part of the reason for that might also be the constant game of musical chairs being played around with the opening positions. It looks almost certain that Monank Patel might get the nod to open alongside Xavier Marshall once again as Monank looks a far more effective player in leading USA’s batting effort from the top of the order.

USA have always banked on their bowlers to win them games but it is about time the batsmen step up to take responsibility with batting conducive conditions in the offing in the UAE. USA sit pretty at third position in World Cup League 2 points table. They get their campaign underway on December 8 against UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Squad: Saurabh Netravalkar (capt), Steven Taylor, Karima Gore, Ian Holland, Akshay Homraj, Elmore Hutchinson, Aaron Jones, Nosthush Kenjige, Xavier Marshall, Monank Patel, Nisarg Patel, Timil Patel, Cameron Stevenson, Rusty Theron. (cricbuzz)

monday, DECember 2, 2019

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Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup…

Guyana’s Sinclair, Cariah star as Emerging Players batter Akshay Leewards to claim Homraj Colonial Super50 crown set to make ODI debut for USA in Dubai Page 23

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