Guyana Times, Monday, November 24, 2019

Parents benefit from 1st Preschool Expo

P12 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4118

THE BEACON OF TRUTH monday, november 25, 2019

Sugar production continues to plummet – after more than 660 hours of factory downtime Page 3

Half of Exxon’s local workforce are Guyanese – Public Affairs Director Page 7

...says Guyanese employed in jobs ranging from engineers to labourers Page 13

Twenty-four-year-old Juanita Beejaimal, a teacher at the New Amsterdam Secondary School, was named the 2019 Valedictorian when the University of Guyana Berbice Campus hosted its 18th Convocation ceremony on Saturday. In photo, an elated Beejaimal poses with family members after the graduation ceremony

Page 9

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Woman nabbed with over 4kg cannabis in box, haversack P2

1 in 5 Guyanese women experience sexual abuse – UN Women report P14 WPA seeks P7 answers over removal of Rodney’s name from Archives

New traffic P10 management system at DHB to take effect today

Chemistry teacher emerges as UG Berbice Campus’ Valedictorian

Father of newborn baby dies after crashing into bridge

PRICE

Timehri waitress allegedly raped

during armed robbery

– 2 in custody as Police hunt for 3rd perpetrator Page 2

Agricola shooting

Shot teen underwent successful surgery

P9

- Police on hunt for suspects

2 NEWS

MONday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Timehri waitress allegedly raped during armed robbery – 2 in custody as Police hunt for 3rd perpetrator

A

29-year-old waitress is now traumatised after allegedly being raped by a gun-toting bandit while his two accomplices who were also armed looked on.

The rape is said to have occurred moments after the trio robbed the woman of a mobile phone and a quantity of jewellery.

According to reports received, between 06:30h and 07:00h on Friday last, the woman, of Timehri Base Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was awaiting transportation along the LindenSoesdyke Highway when a silver and blue motor car pulled up alongside her.

The driver, who was wielding a firearm, and his two accomplices reportedly exited the vehicle and pointed the gun at the woman as they ordered her to hand over the cellular phone and a gold chain she was wearing at the time.

Fearing for her life, the woman quickly handed over her cellular phone and the chain to the three armed men.

However, one of the three perpetrators then grabbed the woman and proceeded to rape her in the presence and plain

view of his accomplices.

When he was finished, he, along with the two others, jumped into the vehicle, and sped away from the scene leaving the woman lying on the roadway.

She was subsequently rescued and a report was made at the nearest police station. She provided accurate descriptions of the men and their vehicle to the Police.

Quick action by investigators in Region Four

(Demerara-Mahaica) SubDivision B (EBD) and collaboration with their counterparts in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) resulted in two of the suspects being nabbed in the vehicle.

They are presently in Police custody and being grilled about the alleged rape and robbery.

Meanwhile, Police ranks are on the hunt for the third suspect.

The three men are said to hail from anoth-

er region and were utilising the Linden-Soesdyke Highway to travel between Linden and Georgetown.

The vehicle has been impounded pending investigations.

Less than two weeks ago, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that between the period January 1 to November 10, this year, in comparison with the same period in 2018, there was a decrease in serious crimes.

This included a decrease

in rape countrywide.

Statistics from the GPF revealed that there was a minus 27.3 per cent decrease in rape cases reported.

In 2019 so far, there were 229 cases of rape reported to the Police, a notable reduction in 2018’s record of 315. (Kristen Macklingam)

Woman nabbed with over 4kg cannabis in box, haversack

A

female vendor who was travelling to Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) is being processed for court after she was nabbed by Police with more than four kilograms of cannabis in her haversack.

The 24-year-old woman, who hails from Kidram Street, Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was arrested at the Bartica Stelling around 12:40h on Sunday by two ranks that were conducting searches on incoming passengers.

Reports are that the vendor had a brown haversack across her back

The two large parcels of cannabis that were inside the cardboard box and weighed 4520 grams (4.52kg)

and was also carrying a cardboard box. Upon seeing the Police ranks,

she reportedly started to act in a suspicious manner.

As a result, she was taken to the Bartica Police Station, where the Police ranks proceeded to search her haversack as well as determine the contents inside of the cardboard box she was carrying.

Upon opening the haversack in the vendor’s presence, the cops discovered 21 Ziploc bags, which contained seeds, leaves and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The cardboard box was also searched and two large parcels wrapped in transparent plastic were found, each appearing to have a large quantity of can-

nabis.

According to the Police, the contents of the 21 Ziploc bags were weighed, and amounted to 24 grams.

The two large parcels that were inside of the cardboard box were also weighed and amounted to 4520 grams (4.52kg).

The woman was immediately arrested.

However, the WCD resident only admitted to having knowledge of the 21 Ziploc bags with cannabis in the haversack and denied ownership of the large amount of cannabis found in the box.

The woman is assisting with the investigations.

news

3

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, November 25 – 04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, November 26 – 04:30h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, November 25 – 15:25h – 16:55h and Tuesday, November 26 – 16:05h-17:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions will prevail throughout the day interrupted by light rain showers in the early morning hours to noon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:33h reaching a maximum height of 2.81 metres.

Sugar production continues to plummet – after more than 660 hours of factory downtime

M

ore than 660 hours of downtime at all of the three remaining factories in the sugar belt has resulted in the second crop production plummeting, a situation which the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) said is a “major bugbear”.

GAWU on Sunday said that the Albion Estate factory in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is experiencing its worse performance in the longest time.

In fact, the Union noted that the problems at that location are so acute that the Corporation has lost some three weeks of operations during this crop as a result of the breakdowns, which amounts to some 420 hours of downtime.

Meanwhile, the situation

On the other hand, GAWU said that this situation has caused it to re-look at previous estimates regarding this year’s sugar production. Last month, based on the sugar industry’s performance, the Union had estimated that production until week-ending December 20 would see GuySuCo producing 67,653 tonnes sugar out of a 75,843-tonne target.

At that time, GAWU said it expected that Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt would have produced 34,187

that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has disclosed that Uitvlugt Estate has sufficient canes to produce an additional 500 tonnes of sugar and its target has been revised.

Bearing in mind the most recent performance, the Union has now estimated that the industry’s second crop production by December 20, will reach 60,236 tonnes sugar with a total deficit of 16,107 tonnes.

This will see an estimated sugar production at Albion

tonnes, 20,450 tonnes and 13,016 tonnes of sugar respectively. However, the Union noted that recent performances have caused it to review its estimates.

In fact, the Union noted that as of November 20, sugar production experienced a total deficit of 27,486 tonnes.

This was after Albion produced 22,864 against a target of 39,543 tonnes; Blairmont producing 13,776 against a 23,284 target, and Uitvlugt producing 11,627 against a target of 13,016.

GAWU pointed out

of 28,643 tonnes against a target of 39,543 tonnes and at Blairmont, 18,077 against a 23,284-tonne target.

Uitvlugt is expected to meet its target of 13,516 tonnes.

Meanwhile, the sugar industry’s poor performance also means that the canes available to harvest during the second crop cannot be harvested, and as a result will now have to be reaped until next year.

“The cutting of canes beyond their maturity is almost a taboo in the industry as those canes tend to ex-

Low Tide: 09:07h and 21:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.38 metre.

saturday, november 23, 2019

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

06 07 08

13 14 23

FREE TICKET

04 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

4

13 16 20 22

LUCKY 3

3

7

1

6

Afternoon Draw

0

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

03

06

13

14

17

20

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

friday, november 22, 2019

5

7

10 15 16

1

8

15 18 21

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

is not much better at the other factory locations with breakdown hours during this crop reaching 122 and 119 at Blairmont, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Uitvlugt, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), respectively.

According to GAWU, the performance of the factories, as it has lamented before, brings into question the efficacy of the industry’s factory operations department.

“That department’s skills, we gathered, has been augmented in recent times as several new recruits were engaged. We hasten to wonder what have been their collective contributions in assuaging the situation and trying to bring some semblance to the difficulties that are being faced at this time. The situation for the Union and the workers are very much concerning and disconcerting at the same time,” the missive stated.

The Union went on to point out that this situation has been especially hard for sugar workers. It noted that the poor reliability of the factories has seen workers on many days not being offered work.

“This makes a bad situation worse as they have been struggling with the declines in their nominal and real pay. The inability to work every day for them and their family, especially as they approach the yearend season, must be distressing. Now-a-day we are no longer hearing the perennial cries of worker turnout which really were a guise for poor production performances. Indeed, it appears, the chickens have come home to roost,” the workers’ Union asserted.

perience declining returns.

Moreover, such canes are also difficult for workers to harvest as they require additional efforts by them,” the Union underscored.

Only last month, GAWU along with another Union, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) — met with GuySuCo officials after the alarmingly low rates of sugar production came to their attention.

At that time, the Union said it received information that days of work were lost to various maladies that brought the factory’s operations to a halt.

Recognising that the sugar company’s capital programme has been hamstrung by lack of finances, the workers’ Union had pointed out that GuySuCo would have received a $30 billion bond and, therefore, funds should have been or should be utilised from this source to safeguard sugar production in Guyana and the jobs of the remaining thousands of sugar workers.

This situation comes on the heels of sugar workers being snubbed by the Government, which recently announced salary increases for the public sector.

In fact, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder told this newspaper that GuySuCo does not have funds to facilitate a pay hike for its workers.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 25, 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

Divvying the spoils

T

he supposedly just concluded negotiations between APNU – actually the PNC – and the AFC, to forge a coalition for the next elections, was an object lesson on the toxic politics of Guyana, which has served to keep us mired in poverty since independence; and, unless changed, will continue to do so even after the oil “bonanza”. It is now widely conceded that Guyanese politics is driven by ethnic mobilisation which, when one ethnic group comprised an absolute majority, led to fears that the essence of democratic majoritarianism was vitiated, since that group could continue in office ad infinitum.

However, over the last two decades, there have been seismic demographic shifts that resulted in none of the “six peoples of Guyana” being capable of forming a majority on their own. This signalled the demise of any one purely ethnic party securing office on its own, and conversely encouraged the formation of ethnic coalitions to so do. In 2011, the PNC, which had always claimed to be “multi-racial” but was seen as securing most of its support from the African and Mixed Guyanese, claimed to be following this logic when it coalesced with four other minuscule political entities to form “A Partnership for National Unity” (APNU).

However, upon closer examination following the elections of that year, APNU concluded that the coalition had not delivered the “national unity” they claimed to aspire to. This did not surprise many analysts, since neither in the leadership structure of the coalition nor in its programme did they address the most significant ethnic cleavage in the country: that between the two major ethnic groups, the Indian and African Guyanese segments. However, the seven seats of the AFC, which did have a multi-ethnic base, combined with the APNU’s 26 produced a majority in the National Assembly which checkmated the PPP that had captured the Presidency/Executive with its plurality of 32 seats.

In the lead-up to the 2015 elections, precipitated by the threat of an NCM by the AFC, counting on the support of the APNU, the latter negotiated with the former to form an electoral coalition. However, the negotiations, for what was to be called the “Cummingsburg Accord”, exposed the refusal of the two parties to grapple frontally with the problematic they claimed to address: the ethnic cleavages.

Even though both parties publicly accepted that the IndianGuyanese votes the AFC could bring into the coalition would have buttressed their claim to being “multi-racial”, the accord focused exclusively on the distribution of seats and ministries between the two entities without explicitly adumbrated policies to ensure “what, when and how” each community, especially the Indian, would receive.

What was formed, then, was what the political literature describes as a “coalition of convenience”, which is designed solely to secure the capture of government on the agglomeration of seats. Typically, such coalitions are very unstable, because with the disequilibrium of size, the leaders of the smaller parties are constantly jockeying for power and perks, while their constituents are neglected in the clientelistic policies pursued. The “coalition of convenience” is contrasted with the “coalition of commitment”, which is designed explicitly for the partnership to alleviate the salient contradictions by a detailed programmatic approach.

All these fears were realised following the success of the coalition in ousting the PPP, with the coalition securing the identical 33 majority they previously held separately.

Not only did the PNC embark on a policy of hiring in the Government and elsewhere that peripheralized IndianGuyanese, but actually shut down four sugar estates and threw 7000 mostly Indian-Guyanese sugar workers onto the breadlines. Just as pertinently, the assigned portfolios of the two top “Indian-Guyanese” AFC leaders – the Prime Minister and the Public Security Minister – were degutted of any substantive power.

Yet, against this sordid background, during their negotiations for a new agreement on a coalition for the March 2 elections, the AFC and APNU repeated their fixity of seats and ministries, without ever once floating a policy to give meaning to the “multi-racial” coalition they boasted about.

Those whom the gods…

A model of a preschool on display at the first-ever preschool expo that was held at the West Demerara Secondary School on Sunday.

The event was organised by the Early Childhood Development Association of Region Three in collaboration with the Child care and Protection Agency (CCPA) (Shaconeil Burnette photo)

We are at the mercy of murderous criminals

Dear Editor, Numerous crimes are being committed daily and no solution seems possible.

People’s lives are being lost whilst petty crimes are being committed and with a former Head of the Guyana Defence Force continues to illegally hold the control of Guyana with a few former army and police members, one would have expected them to come together and come up with a new effective plan to combat this embarrassment, but instead, we are seeing more efforts being placed on fighting one another for positions and smear campaigns being waged.

In many cases, whilst crimes are being committed, few are fortunate to be captured on surveillance camer-

as. In some cases, the culprits are identifiable, get captured and charged. Quite a while back I penned about the proper placement of cameras and still many are not being positioned properly, thus footage of some are not usable.

Editor, indeed crime a serious situation and too many people are losing their lives innocently. Security cameras seem to be a major option of deterring criminals, which cause many to invest in the system. Because people cannot do their research properly, they rely heavily on those in the field for their best advice and in many cases, they are conned.

Some purchase systems that are not of good quality, some assemble inferior products and even pay huge

amounts of money. Many people contact me seeking my advice, and because of the amount of dishonesty, I always source systems from overseas and let them purchase and import. It normally works out better and cheaper.

Editor, security systems attract vat/tax and because of that it is quite costly. Should this Administration have an interest in curbing crimes, they would see the importance of security systems and make the systems tax free for reasons listed below.

1) There’s no law stating that officials could demand footage from anyone to help solve a crime if the owner refuses. That system is their personal belonging, bought for their personal protec-

tion and if the crime doesn’t concern them, they have all rights to withhold the footage.

2) Making them duty-free would make the systems cheaper and thus, many would invest.

Removing the tax from security systems and installing a rule that compels owners to release footage of crimes occurring on roads or neighbours would be a start. As I said before, this Administration’s interest lies elsewhere and they are fully protected so the good life goes on for them.

Meanwhile we are at the mercy of murderous criminals.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

AFC grovel and glad PNC keeping them in Dear Editor, The party whose leader said they would be “dead meat” if they combined with the PNC, grovelled and licked boots to be first mate on a sinking PNC ship, now an illegal Government. Knowing that Moses got larwah as PM, why did it matter so much to Khemraj that he was the PM candidate and will get larwah too? Was it just the large pension later? And now that the AFC man cannot become President if for some reason Granger’s sickness forces him to quit early, as they are probably expecting, what is the point for Khemraj? He is getting bigger larwah. But the PNC knowing the AFC has lost their political influence and capital seems scared to take any chances going at it alone, so they will carry the goadie, hoping it brings good luck.

From a party with seven seats in its heyday, the AFC was decimated by the PPP at the 2016 and

2018 Local Government Elections (LGE). In 2018 when Granger forced them to campaign on their own to test their electoral strength and value to the coalition, they won zero, zilch NDCs, when the PPP beat the coalition by 45,000 votes, after beating them by 25,000 votes in 2016.

These numbers show they got “bad beat” by the PPP under the leadership of President Jagdeo, who is probably the most astute, shrewd politician in Guyana today. Mr Jagdeo is the most experienced leader, having served almost 3 terms as President, and presiding over some of Guyana’s best years in development.

No wonder the PNC is scared of him so much and tries to demonise him at every turn. However, notwithstanding his faults, the PPP supporters simply love Mr Jagdeo and see him as the man who can hold the undemocratic PNC at bay, standing up to the bullies. Dr Irfaan Ali is lucky

that he has three living PPP democratically-elected Presidents to coach and mentor him. The PNC does not have that.

When the AFC joined with the PNC, Granger neutered the AFC, so if the AFC went on their own, they were already “dead meat” and can never make a comeback. They already betrayed the nation and weakened the notion of “third force” politics.

Their defeat at the LGEs showed that. They have been already defiled and contaminated by their PNC association. Like so many victims of domestic violence, the AFC now has to stay in the coalition for their survival, in an abusive relationship. Without the PNC, they are dead, dead.

What we are curious to know is when they get beat by the PPP, and they lose the election in 2020, will the AFC get the same number of seats they were promised?

If they lose, it means both the PNC and AFC will have

to fight for political space.

They will then become competitors.

Why will Granger or Volda want to give them seats if they lost (as the AFC would have brought nothing to the table)? Will the PNC old guards let Granger do that? The PNC old guards such as Norton, Lowe and Volda wanted them off the ticket for 2020, knowing that the 2018 Local Government Election shows the AFC lost their political value and deserved less.

People went back to the PPP after they were deceived that the coalition would be “the change” but did worse.

The other thing is that they said the AFC will get the Public Security Ministry. Wouldn’t that be a very, very sad thing as they have it now and it’s a big mess with criminals having a field day? We must work hard for the defeat of the PNC coalition.

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 25, 2019

5

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

They killed Walter Rodney a second time Dear Editor, On the evening of the 13th day of June 1980, the world stood still as the news of the death of Dr Walter Rodney, blown to pieces by a bomb in South Georgetown, sank in.

Dr Rodney’s death and the circumstances under which he was killed invoked universal condemnation.

Expectedly, because of Rodney’s political activism, the accusatory finger pointed to the Government of the day.

Prime Minister Burnham’s calm reactionary statement that “sad as I am at his inglorious end, I know that somewhere therein there is bound to be a lesson for the misguided others”, exacerbated both suspicion and anger. On the day of his funeral, and weeks after, thousands marched on the East Coast and in and around Georgetown. These marches were led by the likes of Eusi Kwayana, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Dr Clive Thomas and others. The chant which bellowed from these marches was “Who killed Rodney?...

Burnham killed Rodney!”

The call, both nationally and internationally, for an independent Commission of Inquiry was echoed since then.

It was answered thirty-four years later, when President Donald Ramotar commissioned an inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, on the sixth day of February 2014.

I was the Attorney General at the time and was privileged, along with the Head of

the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, to be tasked with the establishment of this Commission and with its management to the end. Some weeks prior, during a trip to the United States of America, President Ramotar met with the widow, children and relatives of Dr Rodney.

I learnt that Dr Patricia Rodney requested the President to commission this inquiry to bring closure to this chapter in the life of the Rodney family. The President acceded to this request. When the preparatory work began for this Commission, I was privileged to have been present when many conversations took place between President Ramotar, Dr Pat Rodney and her daughter, Asha. I was also privileged to communicate directly with both of these persons. So what I write hereunder is firsthand.

In our engagements, the Rodney family made a few requests. Firstly, they requested that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) be broad enough to capture the political climate at the time and the role that different State agencies played in the politics of the day.

I got the clear impression that they did not want the ToRs to restrict the Commission from getting at the truth. The family was obviously wary of contrived and farcical previous endeavours, for example, the inquest in 1988. They wanted assurance that the ToRs would confer upon the Inquiry the widest

latitude. Secondly, they requested that there be no involvement of any political party, including the WPA. I learnt that in 2005, a similar request by the family was made of President Bharrat Jagdeo, who agreed to establish a CoI into Rodney’s death. However, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who was appointed by the family to liaise with the then Government, reported to the Government that the Rodney family was no longer interested.

In discussions with the Rodney family, I realised this to be an untruth.

Thirdly, the family requested Commissioners of international standing and reputation to be appointed, preferably non-Guyanese. And fourthly, they requested that the criminal charges instituted against Donald Rodney be dismissed or withdrawn.

Every effort was made to ensure that these requests were met, as far as was practicable. The ToRs were drafted and sent to the Rodney family for their input and approval. I wish to assure Mr Eusi Kwayana that the ToRs were devoid of any form of political contamination as he suggested in a letter to the press recently. No political party was consulted with respect to the establishment of the CoI, including the PPP, the party in Government.

In selecting the Commissioners, the intention was to select persons from societies in which Dr Rodney

lived and worked most of his life: Guyana, Jamaica and Africa. Persons from Africa were consulted but time and commitment prevented them from taking up an appointment.

I recall making contact with a former Chief Justice of Kenya but he requested six to nine months to complete current commitments.

We could not wait. Instead, Sir Richard Cheltenham, KA, QC, PhD, a distinguished lawyer from Barbados was chosen to Chair the Commission.

Barbados was chosen because this was the country to which the Rodney family fled and lived for several years after Walter’s death. From Jamaica, Jaquelin SamuelsBrown, QC, a respectable jurist, was chosen. At the time, she was the Chairperson of the Council of Legal Education of the West Indies. She also added gender balance to the Commission.

The President decided that the Commission must have a Guyanese. However, care was exercised not to choose someone who may be perceived to be affected by the current political environment. So an eminent Guyanese lawyer who has been residing and practicing in Trinidad and Tobago for over thirty-five years was chosen. Seenauth Jairam, SC, was a former Judge of the High Court of Trinidad, as well as the then President of the Law Society. His appointment added ethnic balance to the Commission, as Rodney

Dear Editor, I write with great concern about the recent incidents of violent bullying in our schools.

My concern as a citizen of this country is that we rarely get feedback as to the outcomes of these investigations.

In the case of the Muslim student from Berbice whose hijab was ripped off as she was beaten by another student, sustaining an eye injury, we know that the police and Ministry’s welfare got involved. It will be interesting to know the outcome of this investigation.

Two weeks ago, another child, this time an eight-yearold, was beaten with a piece of wood and bottle and was hospitalised with the prognosis that he may lose an eye. I have been searching the papers and internet to see again what the authorities have done but to no avail.

As a result, I decided to visit the child in the hospital and was devastated to see his condition. The mom was at Mercy Hospital trying to arrange for an MRI for her son and the grandmother was with the child.

Money was an issue as the MRI’s cost was close to $200,000. I was told that no one from the Ministry or elsewhere came to offer comfort, financial help or moral and emotional support to the child or parents. It was private citizens like myself that were showing up and offering help that made the MRI possible.

The mother said she only

received a call from the ‘child rights’ people on Thursday asking her name and if anyone visited the child to which she replied in the negative.

The mother is distraught that no teacher, parent or anyone in authority visited her child.

She has three younger children and this is a really difficult time for her.

I was told that the school was saying that the child had an abscess and that is why he was losing the eye, so I guess there was no need to investigate and give the family an update. The beating did not mean much to anyone, it seemed. In frustration, the grandmother showed me the MRI results which clearly showed that the wood had a rusty nail that resulted in what she claims is “blood poisoning” resulting in the liver swelling – thus the swollen tummy – and the eye worsening as a result of inflammation etc which the medical experts can explain better. The child is now being treated accordingly and it is hoped that his eye can be saved.

The third incident is with the six-year-old whose hand was gashed out with a broken bottle in the school’s compound by another pupil. I spoke with the mother, who said that the Ministry of Education came into the school and questioned the relevant persons. She is very upset since she feels the matter is not being handled professionally.

She, like the other parents, believe that the inci-

dents are being turned as if it’s their children’s fault. In her case too she has had to run with her son from doctor to doctor because of the great pain he experienced. The bills are piling up and she is asking who is going to compensate her. She was obviously upset when a transfer paper was prepared at the school and in the column where the ‘reason’ was, the teacher put “incident” and when she inquired if she doesn’t have to explain, she said that’s all she can put.

The parent claims she took it to the Deputy HM, who was visibly upset on seeing this and demanded that the teacher white-out that and put “as per parent request”.

I just decided to call the Berbice parent as it has been a while since that incident and she is still angry and believes that her daughter was not given justice. She said the police did their investigation and she was told that the file was sent to the DPP. She is hoping to hear from that office soon.

However, she believes that the students there need more professional counselling and not persons who will be judgmental of their lives. She insisted that the video posted on social media is enough evidence as to what transpired.

I am just an ordinary citizen who is looking on. I feel the least the Ministry of Education can do is acknowledge that these incidents happened on their premises, apologise to the parents and show

compassion to the children with a simple visit.

In my opinion, these children have experienced grievous bodily harm and I believe this is a criminal offence; that the victims and perpetrators need professional counselling; that these kids be put on some kind of bond for 5 years to maintain good behaviour to not have a reoccurrence and for other students to see that bullying will not be tolerated in schools. The Ministry of Education should enforce anti-bullying policies to minimise this issue.

And from a personal level, parents have to do more from within their homes to monitor their kids by teaching them kindness, compassion, tolerance etc and also avoid acting out negative adult behaviour in front of kids and finally, monitor their use of violent games and social media.

I am sure that the Rights of the Child Commission, Child Link and the Child Care and Protection Agency are informed of these and other incidents and will be on top of these matters so that these kids can recover and rehabilitate to continue to live bright fruitful lives.

The public is waiting to hear something. A nation that does not show concern for its young and vulnerable is bound to suffer in the years to come.

Violent bullying in our schools

Sincerely, Saudia Ferouz A concerned citizen

was a forceful advocate of racial unity in Guyana.

As regards the request to Donald Rodney, my inquiries revealed that he was tried, convicted and sentenced in his absence and that an appeal filed on his behalf was dismissed. It was, therefore, impossible (and still is) for the charge against him be dismissed or withdrawn.

In the circumstances, I advised President Ramotar to pardon him and this was done.

In terms of compensation, a decision was made for the Commission to make its findings first and if it was found that the State was responsible for Dr Rodney’s death then compensation would be discussed with the Government and the family.

By the time the Commission completed its work, the Government changed. By that time the evidence adduced was leaning overwhelmingly in the direction that the PNC Government of the time was responsible for Rodney’s death. The new Government, APNU/AFC, as expected, immediately instructed the Commission to wind down its work. It was a tragic mistake. Shortly after, the Commission was forced to bring its work to an abrupt end.

During the course of the CoI, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine proffered a litany of excuses for not testifying. It is an omission for which history would harshly judge him. At the time, when the Commission

was forced to halt its work, a number of important witnesses were scheduled to testify, including Cecil “Skip” Roberts, the powerful Crime Chief of that era; Vernon Gentle, the lead police investigator into Rodney’s death; Norman Mc Clean, Head of the Army at the time, was to be cross-examined.

Additionally, “Salmon Letters” were to be issued to a number of persons including Robert Corbin and Hamilton Greene, whose names appeared on several important documents tendered in evidence and whose names were mentioned by a number of witnesses.

In the end, upon the evidence available, the Commission found that “the State organised the assassination [of Walter Rodney] with the knowledge of Prime Minister Burnham”.

By the premature end of this Commission, the PNC would have assassinated Rodney a second time.

It is true that a reporter was specially hired to cover this event and to write a book on it. It is true that the Government’s newspaper carried the widest coverage of this Commission. It is true that the Commission hearing was streamed live to the world. The State of Guyana owes Rodney no less; nay, much more.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

6

monDay, november 25, 2019

Page

Foundation

How to develop a family meeting agenda

Family meetings can be fun, productive, and meaningful Continued from Sunday

By Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD

D

r Jane Nelsen, founder of Positive Discipline and author/coauthor of the Positive Discipline Series, has been teaching parents to use family meetings for several decades. If your family isn’t ready to jump right into family meetings, Dr Nelsen offers an effective “training plan” to help introduce meetings to your family over the course of a month.

It is important to mention that some families have a pattern of arguing and violence like slapping, pushing, and hitting that can be difficult to break. Family meetings can be a strategy to reduce anger, but it is not a magic fix.

Y

our weekly meetings should revolve around a family meeting agenda to which all family members may contribute. There are printable forms online that may be useful. The simplest is to post a sheet of paper on the refrigerator or bulletin board where family members can jot down agenda items, like issues to be problem-solved or who will plan a fun activity. Consider the following agenda topics, which can be shortened or lengthened as you wish. Family meetings (not including a fun activity at the end) shouldn’t go on for more than an hour – less if your children are very young.

Open meeting

Create a short ritual to open your family meetings. Ways that some families open are with a poem, prayer, song, candle-lighting, etc.

Appreciations

Take a few minutes for each family member to appreciate, say “thanks”, compliment, or acknowledge other members on positive things they noticed this week. This may include a thank you for baking cookies, congrats on a great test score, or a kind word

about something nice that a person did.

Discovery time

Devote 15-20 minutes to learning together as a family. This may include discussing 1) a quote; 2) a current event; or 3) a topic like the pros and cons of technology, money management, budgeting, nutrition, exercise, citizenship, music, religion, community service, or any other topic that may be of interest to you or your family.

Share your opinions and values. Listen to your children’s opinions and values.

Week in review

In the New York Times Bestseller, The Secrets of Happy Families, Bruce Felier incorporated a weekly “review and retrospective” into his family meetings that included these questions: What worked well in our family this week?

What went wrong in our family this week?

What will we work on this coming week?

The key point to this section is to focus on how you are doing as a family, not on individual grievances. That comes next.

Problem-solving

Dedicate this time to resolving problems or issues that individual family members have placed on the agenda. It is best to try to solve only one problem a week. If more than one issue has been placed on the agenda, find a fair way to address each one week by week. Ask each person to state his/her perspective about the problem, without judgment. Ask each person to suggest solutions. Which solutions are the most feasible? What is the agreed-upon consensus? If no consensus is reached, mull over the solutions and revisit the problem next week.

Weekly planning

What is your family planning together? Trips, concerts, sports events?

What chores need to be completed next week? This is a time to fairly assign tasks to each family member, sync calendars, and set goals for the future.

Fun activity

This might include playing a game, watching a movie, or making pizza together. Consider rotating the responsibility for planning the fun activity each week among family members. (Excerpt from rootsofaction.com)

Introducing family meetings to children At first, the idea of family meetings can be intimidating to children, especially teens. One reason is because children don’t know what to expect. They are likely unfamiliar with ways families meet more formally to plan, organise, problem-solve, and make decisions.

Family meetings work well with children from about four years old onward. If you’ve never had a family meeting, take time to introduce the concept to your children before you dive in. The best time to do this is when you have their full attention, either over dinner or at another time when you’ve asked them to gather.

You might start by saying that you’ve recently learnt how weekly meetings can benefit families by helping them communicate and solve problems together as a team. Because family meetings work toward building consensus, everyone has a voice and a role in solving problems. Meeting time is also an opportunity to have fun, plan trips, organise family outings and service projects, and appreciate each other.

Sharing a story can be a great way to explain some of the many benefits of having family meetings. Children hate to be nagged, right? And truth be told, parents don’t like to be naggers.

One of the best stories I’ve read about how a family meeting was used to resolve a conflict and help a mom avoid nagging her children was shared by developmental psychologist, Dr Aletha Solter: At one of their family meetings, Dr Solter expressed her feelings about her children leaving shoes, jackets, books, etc in the living room instead of carrying them to their rooms after school. She put this on the meeting agenda and asked for everyone’s help in finding a solution. Her children said they “were tired after school and didn’t want to walk all the way to their rooms to put their belongings away”.

An agreement was reached that the children could temporarily place their belongings in the living room if they put them away by dinnertime each day.

“This worked beautifully at first,” said Dr Solter, “but after about a week, my children started forgetting to put their things away before dinnertime. Instead of nagging them, I simply wrote it on the agenda again. At the next meeting, they asked me to remind them, but I replied that I didn’t like to nag. Instead, I suggested that we could have some kind of nonverbal reminder.”

“My children had previously agreed to take turns setting the table, so one of them proposed that whoever set the table would put something at the place of anyone who had left a mess in the living room. We finally came up with the idea of simply turning the person’s plate upside down as a gentle reminder that that person could not eat until he or she cleaned up the mess.

Everyone agreed to this.”

Dr Solter reported that soon after this discussion, her “daughter noticed that her brother had left his dirty socks in the living room, and gleefully turned his plate upside down. Another day, I was surprised to see my own plate upside down and noticed that I had left some packages on the living-room floor.”

“We had no further problems with this issue,” said Dr Solter, “and continued to use this reminder until my children left for college.”

An important point about family meetings is that solutions and consequences apply to all members – adults and children.

It is truly an opportunity for your children to feel SEEN, HEARD, and UNDERSTOOD by you, a core principle of the Roots of Action Parenting Promise.

You should next propose a regular, weekly meeting time.

Many families like to designate a specific evening during dinner.

Let your children know that you will use the first meeting to discuss a typical family meeting structure and how everyone participates in decision-making. (Excerpt from rootsofaction. com)

NEWS

7

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Half of Exxon’s local workforce are Guyanese – Public Affairs Director ...says Guyanese employed in jobs ranging from engineers to labourers

I

n Guyana, for decades, and having found over a dozen oil wells since 2015, there is some expectation that ExxonMobil can provide direct employment for locals. The company contended that it has been able to employ thousands of locals during its time in Guyana.

According to Exxon’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Diedre Moe, Exxon currently has over 3400 persons working on its local operations.

This includes the Stabroek Block, where the company has a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and other infrastructure set up.

“We have over 3400 people working on the projects in Guyana. More than 1700 or 50 per cent are actually Guyanese. Anything from

Exxon’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Diedre Moe

doing catering type of work to roustabouts on board, safety and health officers and we also have significant work at shore base, activities like loading pipes. And then, of course, we have persons working for us directly,

everything like accountants to communication professionals to engineers.”

“We had three specifically that were hired a couple years ago. And they spent 18 months in the US at our expense. And they got a chance to be trained in how different types of oil and gas operations work. And they have since come back. They are actually going to be responsible for different issues regarding the Liza Phase One project. The jobs we have for Guyanese run the gamut of opportunities.”

According to Moe, Exxon has worked with over 600 local vendors and suppliers on a sub-contractual basis, since they first began their operations in 1999. She noted that Exxon has expended over $36 billion on supplies from local vendors.

Local content and what it

The Liza Destiny FPSO

will do for Guyana has been a burning question since the announcement of oil in the Stabroek Block. After Exxon first tempered expectations by saying that few job opportunities will be created by oil, it has since said that it will help with local content delivery.

One measure it has tak-

en is to set up a Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).

A prevailing complaint has been that Guyanese are losing out to foreigners when it comes to local content, especially as the Local Content Policy is still to be in effect.

A third draft of the local

content plan was released weeks ago and was subjected to discussions among stakeholders. The lack of penalties was a prevalent concern by those who reviewed the document. In fact, the policy itself said that there were limits to its scope.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), having identified a number of weaknesses within the policy including the most obvious one of the lack of penalties for delinquent operators, had sent out an analysis on the document.

They had said that with no penalties to hold operators accountable to their commitments and international principles of providing employment and business opportunities for Guyanese, “handshakes” and good faith are not enough.

WPA seeks answers over removal of Rodney’s name from Archives – whoever ordered removal engaged in political pettiness – WPA Executive

T

he Working People’s Alliance (WPA) intends to seek answers from the relevant authorities over the recent removal of its former leader Dr Walter Rodney’s name from the National Archives building on Mandela Avenue.

Previously, the property had a large wooden sign at the front saying “Walter Rodney Archives”. At some point, however, the sign was replaced with one lit by LED lights and “National Archives of Guyana” emblazoned on it.

According to WPA executive and academic Dr David Hinds, the party will certainly be seeking answers

The sign in front of the National Archives that has been changed

over the development. While he did not point fingers, he noted that whoever ordered the removal of the sign engaged in an act of “political

pettiness.”

“We don’t know how long this change was made.

Our understanding is that when the change was made

in 2008 under the previous Administration, they did not gazette the change. It's required by law that you gazette whenever you make

changes of that nature.”

“What we’re gathering is that it was not gazette and so the change was never formally made. The question is, why did they not gazette it when they found that out?

We don’t know who authorised the taking down of the sign. We don’t know if it was done at the level of management of the archives or the Ministry.”

He noted that to the best of his knowledge, the Ministry of Social Cohesion is responsible for the management of the archives since culture falls under that portfolio. Hinds noted that Dr Rodney is a well-respected historian and aca-

Former WPA leader and academic, Dr Walter Rodney

demic and, therefore, there should have been a consensus before such steps were taken. He called the act an insensitive one to Rodney’s legacy. turn to page 8

8 NEWS

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former GRDB Manager’s court matters further delayed

A

former Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) manager, Peter Ramcharran, who was slated to lead his defence since October 31, has seen yet another adjournment of the matters.

This is in relation to five charges of falsification of accounts on which Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan has ruled there is sufficient evidence against him.

Chief Magistrate McLennan asked Ramcharran if he was ready to lead his defence and his lawyer, Sase Gunraj, responded in the negative.

The lawyer added that his client would be calling forensic auditor Nigel Hinds and external auditor Leslie Versammy to testify on his behalf. However, Attorney Gunraj said the witnesses were unavailable to attend court on the scheduled date.

The Chief Magistrate then told the court that she would grant one final adjournment to facilitate the attendance of the witnesses.

If they were absent on the new date, the court would go ahead with the matter.

Hence, she adjourned the matter until December 5, 2019.

Ramcharran was slapped with 39 fraud charges for alleged breaches within the GRDB. The Chief Magistrate is dealing with 22 of the

Former GRDB Manager Peter Ramcharran being escorted by a Police Officer

matters while Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus will be presiding over the 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts.

Ramcharran, 39, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was charged in March 2019 after being deported from Canada after fighting his extradition to Guyana for more than two years.

Particulars of the first five charges allege that between the years 2011 and 2015, Ramcharran, while being the accountant of the GRDB, failed to enter some $414 million in the organisation’s ledger.

Ramcharran was slapped with 17 other charges which state that he, along with former General Manager

Jagnarine Singh and his deputy, Madanlall Ramraj, omitted entries from the

ledger.

The charges state that Ramcharran failed to enter true entries of over $4.2 million into the ledger, between 2011 and 2012, knowing that it was contrary to standard operating procedures, at the company’s Lot 1617 Cowan Street, Kingston head office.

The other charges allege that Ramcharran, along with Singh and Ramraj, fraudulently took $5.1 million or used the sum for their own use and benefit, or any use and purpose other than that of the GRDB. The matters are being prosecuted by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor Patrice Henry.

WPA seeks...

“We will be seeking answers. If it was done at the level of the management, it would make sense for management to seek answers from the Ministry. And if they did so and they were told by the Ministry to take down the sign, the Ministry as part of the Government has to take responsibility.”

“But we don’t know, we don’t want to apportion blame at this time. All we can say for now is that whoever authorised the sign to be taken down, was engaged in

from page 7

political pettiness. Whoever gave that order. And the party would be seeking answers.”

The WPA is one of five parties which came together in 2011 and formed A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The party’s parliamentary seat is held

by Public Service Minister Tabitha Saraboo-Halley, who replaced party stalwart Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

It’s partnership with the People’s National Congress (PNC), the largest party in the entire coalition, has been a rough road. At one point, the party’s overseas chapter threatened to have the party withdraw from the coalition if certain concerns were not addressed.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) ordered by the previous Government into Rodney’s death had cast blame on PNC founder and former President, Forbes Burnham, for the assassination of the political activist.

Rodney was a prominent Guyanese historian, political activist and academic. He was assassinated in 1980, after a bomb that was planted in a walkie talkie detonated in a car. At the time, Rodney was an outspoken critic of then President, Burnham.

The cart…

T

…bearing gifts? he old saw about what’s news advises that it ain’t “dog bites man” – that’s expected. But if “man bites dog”, then you’ve got yourself a headline!! Well, “trade union flays company” isn’t news…that happens every day of the week. Just listen (if you can bear it!) to the tirades of Lincoln Lewis against RUSAL and Troy!! But when “Trade Union shills for company”, you know something ain’t right, and it needs to be exposed.

And that’s exactly what GAWU - the union that’s been sponging off sugar workers’ sweat for the last fifty-odd (very odd!) years -- did when they issued a long-winded release about GuySuCo issuing bids to build a plant to produce “55,000 tons white sugar annually”!! What the hell’s going on?? Here’s a union with the largest membership in the country. It accepted GuySuCo/Government’s closure of 4 sugar estates and throwing 5000 members (not to mention another 2000 from cane farmers) into the streets without shutting down Georgetown with protests – and now bigs up GuySuCo??

You say GAWU protested in front of the closed estates, dear reader?? Seeing that in print, your Eyewitness hopes you see the ridiculousness of those “protests”! First of all, with the estates closed, who was taking them on??

Certainly not GuySuCo’s managers, who are in Ogle; or the Government, which is in G/town!! If a tree falls in the middle of the forest and no one heard it, did it fall??

Did GAWU see the actions of bauxite workers when they were asked to pay a fraction of their electricity rates??

Did GAWU even consider protesting for the fired sugar workers’ electricity tariffs to be waived until they find new employment?? Hell! They didn’t even utter a word when water infrastructure built with SILWF funds to give them free water was handed over to GWI -- which then started charging them for water!!

What’s the point of GAWU taking time to mention that the GuySuCo Chairman “felt that workers need better remuneration”, when workers’ wages have been frozen since 2015, when the PNC took office?? The man was just shedding crocodile tears!! Didn’t Finance Minister Jordan say it was the GuySuCo board – headed by the Chairman – that makes decisions on wages?? Back in the day, not long after the first sugar workers’ union – the MPCA – was founded, it was soon discovered that some top union officials were being paid off by the Sugar Producers Association, and workers were again being screwed royally.

That’s why GAWU was founded. Has history now come a full circle??

Once again, sugar workers are being shafted because their leaders are either cowardly or have been seduced by filthy lucre.

GAWU must answer for its stance. …before donkey What makes GAWU’s shilling for GuySuCo more reprehensible is that touting of the white sugar factory being up within two years just doesn’t make sense. First, let’s understand that Plantation White Sugar – which is what’s being contemplated – is not made by REFINING, which removes all impurities. But COTED has recommended to Caricom that the 40% CET be slapped on all sugar – refined and otherwise. Will Caricom be able to stand behind this decision against the big refiners from up north?? Will food companies that want to export outside the region be able to convince those markets that the impurities in Plantation White – esp sodium dioxide and those trace metals – don’t really matter??

Then there are the obstacles which GAWU itself identified. Where’s the sugar cane gonna come from if the workers don’t get a living wage?? Or where’s the funding going to come from for the new white sugar factory, since the banks have stopped disbursements on the $30billion bond?? Why? Well the funds can’t be used for operational expenses – such as workers’ wages!!

So GAWU are back to square one, aren’t they? …on roundabouts This PNC government has a fetish about roundabouts.

They seem to feel that this traffic arrangement - which has been around since the beginning of the 20th century - is “revolutionary”!!

Neanderthals!!

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

news

9

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Agricola shooting

Shot teen underwent successful surgery -Police on hunt for suspects

F

ifteen-yearold Daniel Webster, who was shot and injured on Saturday evening during a shooting incident at Agricola, Greater Georgetown, is set to make a full recovery.

He was reportedly shot in the right-side chest during the incident which has left his friend, Seon Bobb, dead. Based on reports gathered, the teenager underwent a successful surgery to remove the bullet from his chest.

Meanwhile, the relatives and friends of slain Bobb have plunged into mourning and are hopeful that the police will be able to apprehend the two perpetrators responsible for Bobb’s murder as soon as possible.

According to the po-

34-year-old Kacey Da Silva, a father of one, who was shot and killed at Agricola, Greater Georgetown, on December 20, 2018

lice, a 30-year-old resident of Brutus Street, Agricola, has been arrested pending investigation in relation to his involvement in the Saturday night shootings in his village.

Bobb was the key witness in the murder of his friend Kacey Da Silva, a father of one, who was executed in Agricola on December 20, 2018. Bobb was also injured in that incident.

Webster is the cousin of Da Silva.

Reports are that shortly after 19:00h on Saturday, Bobb was walking along Second Street, Agricola, and was about to turn into the Third when two gunmen ran up to him and opened fire.

Bobb managed to walk a few steps but collapsed onto the

Father of newborn baby dies after crashing into bridge

A

four-month-old baby is now fatherless as his mother grieves the loss of her husband following an accident along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) roadway.

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited employee, 31-yearold David Matthew Headly was killed around 05:00h on Sunday when the car he was driving slammed into a bridge rail at Felicity, ECD. Headly, who hailed from Lot 370 Powise Close, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, was reportedly one of the key officers in the technological overhaul of the bank.

Reports are that the now dead man’s motor vehicle (PRR 2531) was allegedly speeding West along the Southern carriageway of the ECD road when it collided with the iron rail of the bridge on the Southern side of the road at Felicity.

According to the police, Headly sustained injuries about his body and was removed from his vehicle in an unconscious state. He was

rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Attempts on Sunday to contact his spouse, Jenisha Budhram, who is also an employee at Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, proved futile.

However, on social media, by way of her Facebook page, the young distraught widow lamented over the loss of her loved one.

“My life was so perfect that it felt almost too good to be real. Well, it was too good to be real. Look how I thought my son would have the best father in the world to see him grow up and teach him how to be just like him,” she posted on her Facebook page some hours after receiving the news about her spouse’s death.

Just recently, Headly and his wife held a dedication service for their fourmonth-old son at the church they attended.

Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation into Headly’s ac-

David Headly in happier times with his wife, Jenisha Budhram and their four-month-old baby

cident. His post-mortem examination (PME) is ex-

pected soon.

to

be

conducted

ground as residents in the area rushed out of their homes after hearing the sound of gunfire.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

While this was occurring, the armed duo allegedly ventured to a “liming house” in First Street, Agricola, where Webster would frequent with his friends.

The gunmen opened fire at the youth. He was shot multiple times and fell to the ground. Furious residents explained that it was the same house the police raided on Thursday.

The perpetrators then fled the scene.

However, according to sources in Agricola, the identities of the gunmen are known by residents. The two men are commonly called “Thuggie” and “TwoTwo” and both are said to be in their early 20s.

Guyana Times understands that the two culprits are members of the same gang that executed Da Silva.

One source stated that Bobb’s murder and Da Silva’s cousin’s shooting are as a result of the “crew” wanting

to eliminate any witnesses that would testify against them.

Nevertheless, 11 months have passed since Da Silva was murdered. One person was charged. At least five persons were arrested during a raid of the village on Thursday.

One of those arrested is said to be the brother of the man wanted for Da Silva’s murder.

It was reported that Da Silva, also known as “Presser” and the nowdead Bobb were shot after “Home Alone” opened fire on them after he was beaten by another man during a fight.

It was reported that the suspect felt embarrassed after DaSilva and Bobb started laughing at him and calling him names.

Police said that shortly after, the suspect’s brother allegedly handed him a gun, which he used to shoot the two men.

The suspect and his brother then left the location on foot through one of the access streets in the village, leaving DaSilva mortally wounded and Bobb injured.

10 NEWS

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

New traffic management system at DHB to take effect today

I

n an attempt to curb the traffic congestion that occurs daily along the East Bank Demerara (EBD), West Coast Demerara (WCD), and West Bank Demerara (WBD) roadways, a new traffic management system will take effect from today.

This is according to the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge

during a public meeting between citizens and police ranks attached to the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Sub-Division B (EBD) on Saturday.

He explained that the new changes to be implemented will take effect from today and are necessary to aid the burdens and minimise the frustrations both drivers and passengers are

The line of vehicles extending from the Demerara Harbour Bridge past Vreed-en-Hoop on the WCD

(DHB), Rawlston Adams, who made the disclosure

subjected to during specific hours.

“We at the Demerara Harbour Bridge have been working with the police to make sure that we have an adequate and improved traffic management system. I think the police will mention or would have mentioned that some of the initiatives that we would be taking to ensure that we have free flow of traffic. There are some new systems expected to be put in place from Monday.”

Adams further stated that the new system that has been put in place will be monitored and there is a possibility that it can be reversed or adjustments made.

“We have a commitment to the police that we will meet back on Wednesday to review and see if there is need to implement any other measures to make sure we have free flow in traffic. We have been working together with the police to ensure that we come up with some meaningful solutions especially to traffic for us at the

Harbour Bridge,” he added.

Less than two weeks ago, traffic leading to the Demerara Harbour Bridge caused a massive build-up of vehicles, creating a ripple effect on both sides of the Demerara River and aggravating thousands of commuters.

This resulted in light of the suspension of a third lane for traffic which is opened on the EBD for the free flow of traffic exiting the Bridge.

However, at that time this was not done for two consecutive days, thus creating complete disorder.

Commuters were waiting to cross the Bridge for almost two hours, resulting in lines which extended to Goed Fortuin, Pouderoyen and eventually Vreed-enHoop. Additional Police officers were later dispatched along the route to bring the situation under control and maintain order as the same scenario developed over time on the EBD Public Road.

Halliburton hosts workshop for UG lecturers, students

U

S-based oil company Halliburton in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG) hosted a two-day workshop on oil and gas with over 200 teachers and young adults participating.

The programme titled, “The science of energy” was held at Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

Speaking to the gathering were representatives of Halliburton, who touched on a number of areas including how oil is produced, what is oil and gas, how oil is drilled, and their role in its production.

The representatives spoke of the importance of the programme and how it will help teachers with their class presentations.

Just recently, Halliburton signed a $459 million invest-

A Halliburton representative signing the agreement

ment with the University of Guyana (UG) for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology for major developments.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) providing laboratory equipment, staff development, and software to the department was signed at the Marriott Hotel on

Thursday.

Halliburton is one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry.

With approximately 60,000 employees, representing 140 nationalities in more than 80 countries, the company helps its customers maximise value throughout the life cycle of

the reservoir from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimising production throughout the life of the asset.

Only recently, the service provider signed a US$2 million agreement with the University of Guyana (UG) to support the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between Halliburton and UG will see the $400 million donation being used in a number of areas, such as purchasing needed laboratory equipment, staff development and software programme support for teaching. The company pledged to continue its support.

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), Rawlston Adams

Over at the Bridge, vehicles were aligned in five rows to cross the river and students, seemingly late for school after 09:00h, hurriedly rushed from the Bridge to the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling to board a water taxi.

Shortly after the incident, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan apologised for

the situation stating that it was Police Commissioner, Leslie James, who made the decision to suspend the third lane and not him.

Ramjattan had said that in his opinion, a suspension was not “an advisable thing” to do.

“So I rather suppose traffic in the mornings coming into Georgetown there must be three lanes and when we going in the afternoon there must be three lanes, like normal,” he added.

He noted that what also needs to be done is to have large trucks not traverse the EBD during the peak hours and another difficulty is that there is only one route for motorists into the city.

“Approximately 10,000 cars are coming in annually and we haven’t done another set of roads, we have only made portions of that double lane but that is not going to ease the situation with that amount of cars coming in every year.” (Kristen Macklingam)

GTT joins Artistes in Direct Support – “Getting to Zero”

GTT Senior Marketing Executive Tashandra Inniss hands over donations to Artistes in Direct Support representative Sidney Benjamin

T

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) threw its support behind Artistes in Direct Support as the team prepares to observe World Aids Day on November 30 at the National Cultural Centre in the form of a candlelight vigil and drama show.

At a handover, Senior Marketing Executive at

GTT, Tashandra Inniss presented Representative of Artistes in Direct Support, Sidney Benjamin with donations to be used as prizes.

Inniss highlighted the importance of raising awareness and knowing one’s status. She noted that GTT is honoured to lend its support as it would help to bring more awareness and encourage safer sex practices through the utilisation of the arts.

Echoing similar sentiments was GTT CEO, Justin Nedd, who indicated that one of the GTT’s goals is to create a company known for its contribution to the wellness and prosperity of Guyana. “In order for there to be productivity in any organization, there needs to be energised, passionate and healthy employees; any venture that supports health and wellness in Guyana, GTT is proud to be a part of,” said Nedd.

The non-profit, community-based, HIV/AIDS-focused organisation received GTT umbrellas, GTT bottles, mobile handsets, GTT mini speakers and GTT mobile credit. These prizes will be distributed during the candlelight vigil to lucky patrons.

For the past 26 years, Artistes in Direct Support has pulled off successful World Aids Day observances under the theme “The flame and the ribbon”.

NEws

11

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Only 40 of 250 companies at GIPEX were local

–Valiant says registration cost for local startups was “generous”

T

he Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) 2019 has come and gone, with hundreds participating and partnerships being formed. According to the organisers, however, approximately 40 of the 250 companies that participated are Guyanese, something that they are looking to improve next year.

This figure was provided

by Chief Executive Officer of Sagacity Incorporated, Chris Chapwanya, who noted that there were some companies that, having participated in 2018’s GIPEX event, returned to provide a progress report.

The event was organised

by Valiant Business Media.

It’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shariq Abdul Hai, defended the low participation of Guyanese businesses, which works out to 16 per cent. According to Hai, efforts were made and a reasonable price inclusive of a subsidised

Scenes from GIPEX 2019

rate was offered to get locals to participate.

“This year, we divided companies into various segments depending on how big or small they were. Startups was one category and I think the prices we made for them, I’ve been organising these events for years, and I think it was extremely generous,” he said.

“A lot of them could come

in and pay the minimal fee, which would probably not even be enough for us to pay the cost for the booth. But we did make arrangements and it was made public as well. But I think personally, we will find ways. This is Guyana’s event and we can work with GCCI and partners to discuss ways on how we can get them engaged,” Hai added.

Hai also noted that for the

Caricom congratulates Suriname on its 44th Independence Anniversary

T

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) has extended congratulations to the Government and people of Suriname as the country celebrates its 44th Anniversary of Independence.

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in a congratulatory message to the President of Suriname HE Desiré Bouterse, noted that as the people of Suriname pause to celebrate the growth and achievements of their country, they do so against a background of dedication and commitment to a country that ensured solid progress since the attainment of independence.

The Secretary-General

also noted that the Community has benefitted from Suriname’s invaluable contributions to regional integration.

“We are particularly grateful for Suriname’s leadership within the Caricom Quasi-Cabinet in matters pertaining to cul-

ture, gender, youth, and sport, matters that bolster the Caricom identity and spirit of Community,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.

Suriname celebrates forty-four years of Independence on Monday, November 25, 2019.

companies who did participate, everyone was treated on a first come first serve basis when it comes to booth placements. He noted that in the case of Exxon, it got the largest booth due to the investment it put into the event.

“There will never be an idea to discriminate against one company or the other.

Even international companies, some of them were in the last pavilion. A lot of things depend on when they come. If someone came to us in the last couple days, we would have to do our best to put them in the spaces available.”

“People who think, why has ExxonMobil got the biggest booth? Because they put in the substantial investment.

If someone else does it then they are most welcome. It’s not that we signed something

with Exxon, so no one else can do it. So we will still try to take that feedback.”

Meanwhile, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Chairman Nicholas Boyer noted that even while the event was being organised there were issues with the initial price.

This proposed price, he said, was reduced.

“Initially, there were [issues] with the initial prices, but then we met with the Department of Energy and the organisers and we brought the pricing down to a more affordable level for local companies. But given that a lot of the local companies are startup, if we can bring the pricing down further it would be beneficial because we would have more participation from them.”

It is known that the fee

paid by delegates registering for GIPEX 2019 was based on the number of those attending. One foreign delegate paid US$1995 or $416,000 to attend, while a group of four foreign delegates would have paid US$1795 per person.

Local delegates paid US$795 plus Value Added Tax (VAT) per person.

There has been some criticism of the fees that had to be paid for persons to participate, with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo criticising the event for this and also the perception that it was tailored mainly for foreign companies. For its part, GIPEX organisers have said that the event was funded completely by private money and not by the Government.

GIPEX is aimed at facilitating networking and providing investment opportunities for companies across all sectors associated with the petroleum industry in Guyana. In 2018, the summit had attracted global participation from more than 600 delegates and 200 international and national oil and gas companies.

This time around, the international and national oil and gas companies involved and setting up their own booths included Exxon, Tullow, Hess and Century Tamara Energy Services, a partly Guyanese-owned company.

12 news

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parents benefit from 1st Preschool Expo M

any parents of soonto-be preschool students on Sunday flooded the West Demerara Secondary School compound, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), for the inaugural Preschool Expo hosted by the Early Childhood

Development Association in collaboration with the Childcare and Protection Agency.

The expo, themed “Preparing our child for a better tomorrow” was intended to showcase the different tools that are used in an early child-

hood setting to help stimulate the child’s cognitive and physical development.

According to Malika Williams, Registration Licensed Officer responsible for the Early Childhood Centre, preschool is highly underestimated and as such, the

Boodhood’s Playschool showcasing healthy eating at its booth

expo is expected to educate persons on the importance of preschools in Guyana.

“People are under the perception that early childhood daycare centre is all about childminding, but we would have moved away from that over the years. Right now, the setting is all about to learn through play, and all the things that are happening there [at the preschools] are to help to develop the cognitive and physical development.”

Meanwhile, administrators from over 50 licensed preschools on the West Bank of Demerara (WCD) assembled and set up booths to showcase what their schools have to offer and the various techniques used to help students in the learning process.

However, one of the care-

givers told Guyana Times that their attendance at the exposition is to make sure parents received advice on their kids’

scared to send their children to schools, but at our school we want them to know that they are going to be well taken care of, also we want them to know that abuse can be a contributing factor to a child not being able to learn, so that is what we want to showcase today”.

School representatives also stated that this new initiative must be commended since it will benefit a lot of smaller schools that are looking to expand.

“We are already benefiting, here is a convention of all playschools across the region, we share ideas and we have learned from each other. Creativity has passed on

Precious Lambs Daycare showcasing play at its booth

health and the issues they might be facing such as abuse.

“Parents are sometimes

Trinity Early Learner and Preschool and Daycare showcasing its creativity

so when we go back, we have a heap of things to do to improve, we want to take it to the next level,” Coordinator of Boodhood’s Playgroup, Naushad Ali Boodhood stated.

Meanwhile, the event kicked off with a programme featuring dances, songs and other items from the various preschools and was later declared open.

Some of the participating schools were Precious Lambs Schools and Daycare, Boodhood’s Playschool, Sister Sister Playschool, Twinkling Stars Playgroup, and Trinity Early Learner and Preschool and Daycare.

news

13

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chemistry teacher emerges as UG Berbice Campus’ Valedictorian

T

wenty-four-year-old Juanita Beejaimal, a Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) teacher at the New Amsterdam Secondary School was named the 2019 Valedictorian when the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus, hosted its 18th Convocation ceremony on Saturday.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, Beejaimal made history as the first student from the Faculty of Natural Sciences to be named the Best Graduating Student and Valedictorian. She graduated with the highest grade point average and attained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.

During her address to the graduating class, she noted that despite the challenges faced, determination and resilience were key components in achieving their success. Beejaimal urged her colleagues to remain open to learning.

“Despite us having our degrees, let us remain open to learning. The truth is having a degree does not mean we have our lives figured out nor that we are infallible. We will make mistakes… but in all of this let us always look for the lesson to be learnt. Now that we will be embarking on the next chapter let us define success on our own terms, let us rise with even more grit than ever after every fall, and let us actualise the ambition cradled in us.”

Beejaimal recognised the

A section of the graduates

efforts made by her parents, colleagues, lecturers and everyone who encouraged and contributed to her success.

The Edinburgh, East Bank of Berbice resident, concluded by encouraging her colleagues to hold their heads high and be proud of their milestone achieved.

Meanwhile, Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor John Edward Greene, while delivering the feature address, called on the 216 graduates “to be the voices of transformation” and to promote unity, not divisiveness.

“Be the voices of transformation; use your voices to shape public opinion by talking about issues of inclusion and equality of keeping them on the front burner and taking action to ensure their fulfilment. To champion the causes of civil society, the grassroots organisations of Guyana for empowering of

the marginalised and the disadvantaged. To trigger policy innovations emphasising the how, which I assure you is more important than the why”.

Professor Greene advised the graduates to use technology and information to help shape policies for a brighter future.

“Let our multi-cultural heritage influence messages of cohesion rather than divisiveness and help people recognise the double sword of the digital revolution for which social media has been a boon but also a major source of disinformation. And then graduates, engage in legacy thinking to frame policies and prime people to think about accountability to the future thereby leaving this world a better place. Go forth and conquer the world.”

Additionally, he commended the campus for engaging in several impres-

sive initiatives which helps to strengthen communities through public/private partnership and the need for continued human capital investment through education. The Chancellor of the University also referred to His Excellency, President David Granger’s policy on education, one which he supports.

“The UG and GoG must utilise gains of oil and gas to support programmes such as those offered on this campus that are complementary to oil and gas and provide the basis

Juanita Beejaimal

of sustainable or responsible development and the green economy. Most heartening is the recent announcement by President Granger that education is his signature policy proposal. This includes the return to free University education. I wholeheartedly support this proposal for free education as an essential investment in human capital development. It accords with a vision that education is the root and fruit of social mobility and economic liberalisations.”

Among the graduates was differently-abled student Colleen Hamilton, 36, who graduated with an Associate of Science Degree in Social Work from the Faculty of Social Sciences, while the youngest female graduate, 17-yearold Sujada Azeez gained an Associate of Science Degree in computer science, and the youngest male was eighteen-year-old Assad Jaferally who earned an Associate of Science Degree in Biology.

14 news

monday, november 25, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

1 in 5 Guyanese women experience sexual abuse – UN Women report

A

s Guyana continues to grapple with high rates of domestic violence in various forms, a United Nations (UN) women-supported research found one in every five women in the country, or 20 per cent, have been sexually abused in their lifetime.

The Guyana Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey Report 2018 highlighted that of the 20 per cent of Guyanese women who have experienced non-partner sexual abuse in their lifetime, 13 per cent of them reported experiencing this abuse before the age of 18.

It was noted that the most significant risk factor for non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), including rape, attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching and sexual harassment, is being young. The 15 to 24 age group reported statistically higher rates of NPSV of every type with the 55-64 age group reported the least.

This, according to the study, suggests an increasing entitlement of men to violate women’s bodily autonomy.

This report was handed over to the Guyana Government last week ahead of today’s observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The UN Secretary General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women Campaign is focusing on rape as a

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally receiving the report from MCO Caribbean Representative Alison McLean

specific form of harm committed against women and girls, in times of peace or war.

As such, the UN System’s 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls activities begin today under the 2019 global theme: “Orange the world: generation equality stands against rape!”. The campaign will conclude on December 10, when International Human Rights Day will be observed.

The research, which was conducted in the Caribbean in the past two years, reinforced that violence against women and girls (VAWG) including rape, is so entrenched and normalised that both men and women

have a high tolerance for its manifestations.

“These persistent, endemic sociocultural norms and enduring inequalities have given rise to an aberrantly high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Guyana. Guyanese women experience IPV at significantly higher rates than the global average of 1 in 3 women.”

In fact, it noted that 55 per cent of survey respondents who had ever had a male partner have experienced some form of IPV during their lifetime with 38 per cent of them having experienced physical and/ or sexual violence and more than one in 10 having experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a male partner in the past 12 months.

It was noted that of the women reporting sexual IPV, eight per cent of them were forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to and seven per cent of them had sexual intercourse with their partner because they were afraid to refuse.

The Guyana Police Force two weeks ago disclosed

that between January and October 2019, there have been 229 reports of rape made, compared to 315 cases recorded during the same period last year.

However, the report highlighted that half of all women who experienced IPV in Guyana never reported it or sought help, especially those suffering from IPV. It was outlined that victims, community members and stakeholders attributed women’s reluctance to seek help from institutional actors to issues such as a lack of knowledge of available help, perceptions of being blamed or stigmatised by their situation becoming known throughout the community and inadequate support structures to ensure victim safety after reporting violence to the police.

Focus group participants identified other deterrents to seeking help, such as inconsistent or harmful institutional responses and a lack of coordination between sectors.

As in the case of IPV, only 12 per cent of women reported NPSV to the police and nine per cent to a health care provider. Among those who did, their experiences were inconsistent with less than half saying that a case was opened in response to their police report; nearly one in five left without a report being taken. Onethird of women who sought help through a health care provider received HIV and pregnancy prevention information with fewer than one in ten received counselling.

One measures taken by the Guyana Government to encourage persons to report sexual abuses is the establishment of Sexual Offences Courts in Georgetown, Berbice and Essequibo. The aim of the specialised Court

is to ensure that the environment is conducive to victims and support services are offered.

While recommendations were made in efforts to eliminate VAWG at all levels, the UN Women Representative for the Multi-Country Office (MCO) – Caribbean, Alison McLean, pointed out that without reliable and relevant data, it is not possible to adequately treat, re-

en seek help and where they do not should inform how services to support victims should be designed and located. Data on women and girls’ vulnerabilities, partner characteristics and other socio-demographic factors should guide how to prevent and respond to this violence, she added.

“UN Women, along with other UN agencies will be using the data gathered from these surveys to sup-

duce and prevent violence against women and girls.

“UN Women has invested significantly in supporting member states in strengthening capacities to fill the data gaps on violence against women and girls. Working with regional partners, the Caribbean Development Bank and Caricom, we developed the Caricom Prevalence Survey Model. The Caricom Model is based on the long-tested global World Health Organisation (WHO) model which is considered internationally to be the best practice for national, population-based studies on prevalence data on GBV. This Caricom model also allows us to capture information on the consequences of GBV for women, their children and families, women’s help-seeking behaviours and risk and protective factors for violence.

It allows in a real way for the voices of women and girls to be heard,” she noted in a statement on Sunday.

According to McLean, national-level efforts should seek to destigmatise the experience of intimate partner violence and to shift gender norms and roles in order to create a society in which violence against women is openly rejected and firmly addressed. She noted that information on where wom-

port national efforts to prevent intimate partner violence through school-based and community-based initiatives; including working with men and boys through Batterer Intervention and Prevention programmes; and Private Sector initiatives that prevent work-related spillovers of family violence to create safe spaces at work,” the MCO Caribbean Representative stressed.

Meanwhile, as Guyana joins the rest of the world in the campaign to end violence against women and girls, the Social Protection Ministry via the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit has partnered with the Local Authorities, non-Government partners and civil society of the Upper DemeraraBerbice Region in launching the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign today at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Additionally, a series of sensitisation and awareness sessions within schools, workplaces, community and religious organisations are scheduled during the period, and a “Men against Violence” forum is scheduled for November 29, at the Linden Mayor and Town Councillors’ office.

news

15

monday, november 25, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police presence increased on EBD for holiday season

A

s the Christmas season fast approaches, the Guyana Police Force has increased its surveillance at various “crime” hotspots along the East Bank of Demerara.

The exercise commenced on November 15, 2019 and will end on January 15, 2020.

In a recent press conference, Regional Commander of the East Bank Sub-Division, Kurleigh Simon, outlined some crime prevention plans while explaining how the Police Force planned to combat criminal activity.

The Commander outlined areas from Eccles to Cheddi Jagan

International Airport, Timehri, EBD, as well as on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway onto Moblissa will benefit from this initiative while reassuring the nation that the Police were working vigorously to curb criminal activities not only for Guyanese but tourists.

“The administration of the Guyana Police Force took it upon themselves to regionalise the commands of its divisions. Region Four, which was referred to as A Division, was split into three… [East Bank, Georgetown and East Coast],” he said.

He also added that such regionalisation aims to make managing such areas more effective

and efficient during the Christmas period.

As such, Commander Simon urged persons to be their neighbours’ keepers as these are ways crime could be prevented or detected.

More so, residents can benefit from Police booths which would be installed along the mentioned areas. In addition, ranks would be on bicycle as well as on foot to prevent any form of criminal activities.

Further, the Commander urged citizens to refrain from activities that might lead to them being victims of robberies, emphasising that the citizens of this country have a role to play in crime-fighting.

Police ranks on patrol in one village

Youngest Chief Commissioner Magistrates, Prosecutors benefit from juvenile justice diversion training appointed at Girl Guides

A

fter the holding of an Annual General Meeting in October, the Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA) has made history in its 95 years of existence, after it appointed its youngest Chief Commissioner of the association.

Schemel Patrick, 32, who has been an active member of the country’s oldest association for over 20 years, previously served as public relations coordinator and a member of the executive committee. In 2013, she was the first Guyanese elected to serve on the Western Hemisphere Regional Committee of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

The young woman has worked extensively on

Newly - appointed Chief Commissioner Schemel Patrick

youth and women and gender issues; and is passionate about working towards the advancement of girls and young women in Guyana.

After being elected, the young women’s advocate disclosed that her first order of business would be

to strengthen the visibility of the GGGA, and focus on recruitment of new girls, young women and volunteers into the organisation together with retention, ensuring that individuals are enthused to stay and develop themselves.

Port Kaituma without electricity for more than a month

R

esidents of Port Kaituma, Region One, North West District (NWD), have been expressing their frustration at the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) delayed restoration of electricity to the mining community.

According to a mechanic at the Port Kaituma Power Light (PKPL), the generator experienced a mechanical failure, which completely damaged the engine head a month ago.

The tradesman stated that the generator had to be sent out on an aircraft for repairs but to date, no updates have been given on where this was done.

A businessman related that the community was made aware of the issue but they were promised that it would have been corrected last week.

He stressed that as a

result of the power failure, he has suffered major losses. He further explained that ice which is used to store meat has been scarce thus making the situation even worse.

Another developing issue is the proper storage of bodies at the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary. <<<Guyana Times>>> understands that only a week ago, a male passenger behaved disorderly at the airstrip after a body was being transported in an improper manner. The body was being

transferred to the Lyken Funeral Home due to the electricity woes in the community.

It was reported that another person who died in an accident was buried in a decomposed state. Two partially decomposed bodies had to be buried without the arrival of family members on Friday.

Nevertheless, GPL had promised to look in to the matter with some form of urgency.

Attempts to get a comment from an official at GPL proved futile.

Magistrates at the training session

M

a g i s t r a t e s throughout Guyana benefited from training in juvenile justice diversion and alternative sentencing at a workshop that was held on November 14 to 22, 2019 at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The training was planned by the Public Security Ministry in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Community, Family, and Youth Resilience (CYFR) programme and facilitated by Dr Dianne Williams, a criminologist and certified criminal justice specialist.

The objective of the training was to build the capacity of Magistrates to better implement diversion and alternative sentencing programmes.

Prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP); staff members of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic; child protection officers and probation officers also benefited from the critical training.

Subject Minister Khemraj Ramjattan stated that the Public Security Ministry would leave “no stone unturned” to ensure stakeholders become au fait and develop the capacity to execute their mandate.

He explained that with so many players required in the fight, the training was very necessary. “…we want this thing to work and we want this thing to work quickly. I

know sometimes when you ask for quickness, you do not get justice; justice comes with some slow work, but we are prepared to give the support...,” he emphasised.

As such, the Juvenile Justice Department of the Public Security Ministry has been working vigorously towards building capacity among stakeholders regarding policies and procedures of diversion and alternative sentencing of juveniles.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDay, november 25, 2019

Regional

UWI Professor recommends Uruguay election: Voters choose President in 2nd round doubling maternity leave to

V

oters in Uruguay have gone to the polls to elect a new president, after no candidate secured enough votes to win outright in the first round.

The candidate for the centre-left Broad Front coalition, Daniel Martínez, secured the most votes in the poll held on October 27.

Martínez now faces Luis Lacalle Pou of the conservative National Party.

Voters named the economy as a major concern, with only 22 per cent of citizens in one poll rating the economy as good.

Crime also dominated much of the pre-election debate after the murder rate increased by 46 per cent last year.

The Broad Front coalition has ruled Uruguay for 14 years.

Opinion polls suggest Lacalle Pou, who secured the backing of some of the lower-placed presiden-

promote exclusive breastfeeding

D

Candidates Luis Lacalle Pou (left) and Daniel Martínez are running for the presidency

tial candidates, is ahead of Martínez in round two.

Martínez, a 62-yearold former mayor of Montevideo, has promised renewed efforts to create jobs and fight inequality, campaigning under the slogan "Not losing what has been good, but doing it better". He resigned as Mayor in April to launch his presidential bid.

Supporters credited him with keeping the capital's economy in surplus through

cuts to subsidies and improved tax controls. Critics, however, have pointed to signs of a weakening national economy under Broad Front rule.

The former socialist activist and pro-business engineer, Martínez also served as Senator and as Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining. He has promised more surveillance cameras and community policing to tackle crime. (Excerpt from BBC News)

CAL records TT$121M before taxes and interest

T

he unaudited results of Caribbean Airlines Ltd for the nine months ending September 2019 showed earnings before interest and taxes of TT$121 million, comprising of TT$153 million on international operations.

However, the airline lost TT$32 million on the domestic air-bridge.

Revenue for the period was TT$2.3 billion, up 3.8 per cent.

A statement issued by CAL attributed the implementation of new technology, expansion of the airline’s route network, an increase in passenger demand and cargo business together with en-

hanced cost management as some of the elements which contributed to the airline’s success over January to September 2019.

CAL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garvin Medera said, “It has truly been a breakout year for Caribbean Airlines.”

He added, “Another strong financial performance means we can continue our investments into new planes and services for our customers, building a better place to work for our employees, and supporting communities across the Caribbean through sponsorship, economic activity and global connectivity.”

CAL noted that key finan-

cial highlights for the period included increased cargo revenue by 14 per cent and yearon-year profit increase by 34 per cent.

Further, three new cargo interline partners were added – Alaskan Airlines, Air Canada and United Airlines – giving market access to 50 global destinations, CAL said.

Other financial highlights included increased duty free revenue by 1.1 per cent and year-on-year profit increase by 36 per cent.

The airline noted that it ranked 96 out of 332 global airlines for on-time performance (OTP). (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Bolivian leader agrees to withdraw military in deal to “pacify” country

"I

nterim" Bolivian President Jeanine Anez agreed to withdraw the military from protest areas and repeal a law giving them broad discretion in the use of force as part of a preliminary “pacification” deal struck early on Sunday with protest leaders.

In exchange for the concessions, more than a dozen leaders of Indigenous groups, farmers and unions who took part in the talks agreed to order their followers to end their demonstrations.

The 12-point pact follows the unanimous passage of legislation by Bolivia’s Congress on Saturday to annul contested elections and pave the way for a new vote without former President Evo Morales, a major breakthrough in the political crisis. Anez signed the bill into law on Sunday.

irector of the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit (TMRU), at the University of the West Indies, Professor Marvin Reid has called for an extension in maternity leave to allow mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies.

Reid, who recommended that the current threemonth allocation for maternity leave be extended to six months, was reportedly responding to a question at the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust Early Childhood Development Conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.

According to a release

At least 30 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces since the October 20 election, which was dogged by allegations of vote-rigging. Most have died since

Morales stepped down on November 10.

Social leaders blame the military for the deaths.

Anez’s Government denies the charge. (Excerpt from Reuters)

This, the JN Foundation said, followed his presentation of recent research findings by the TMRU, which revealed that several mothers reported that they did not exclusively breastfeed for six weeks.

According to Reid, this data was drawn from six weeks of clinics, at health facilities across the country.

“Roughly half of the women reported exclusively breastfeeding their infants at six weeks, when interviewed which is bad,” he said, adding that this “was an infringement on the rights of the child to proper nutrition”. (Jamaica Observer)

3 JLP supporters rushed to hospital after falling from JUTC bus

A

t least three supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have been rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after they fell from a bus transporting people to the Party's annual conference now underway at the National Arena.

People on the scene told Observer Online that the JLP supporters appeared to be partying on the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus when a window broke, causing them to fall from the moving vehicle on Constant Spring Road close to its intersection with Dunrobin Avenue.

But, even as those supporters were being taken to hospital, other JUTC buses passed the scene with people dressed in green, riding on the tops.

The Police had warned that there would be zero tolerance for breaches of the Road Traffic Act for

The Police had warned that there would be zero tolerance for breaches of the Road Traffic Act (Arthur Hall photos)

those attending the conference, but there were no visible patrols in the vicinity

of the Constant Spring and Dunrobin Avenue intersection. (Jamaica Observer)

Colombia protests: Troops stay on streets as unrest continues

C Bolivia's "interim" President Jeanine Anez speaks after enacting the law for a general election at the national congress in La Paz, Bolivia, November 24, 2019

from the Jamaica National (JN) Foundation, the TMRU Director said the extension would allow lactating mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least six months, as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“I agree with you that the maternity leave, as currently constructed in law, is relatively too short; and thoughts need to be given to have it extended. Thought also needs to be given to creating an enabling environment, which purports proper nutrition of the infant; and encourages breast feeding, as much as we can, in the workplace,” Reid was quoted as saying.

olombian President Iván Duque has said security forces will remain on the streets to maintain order, as protests continued for a third day.

The anti-Government demonstrations erupted on Thursday, when more than 250,000 persons marched in a national strike.

They started peacefully, but clashes between protesters and Police have since broken out, and there have been reports of vandalism and looting.

Duque said troops would carry out joint patrols with Police.

"We express the total and absolute rejection of all Colombians for the vandal-

ism, for the terrorism, for the looting," Duque told reporters on Saturday.

At least three people have died since the protests against corruption and possible austerity measures began.

A curfew was imposed in the capital, Bogotá, on Friday, but it did not deter protesters from returning to the streets a day later.

When protests resumed on Saturday, Police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of people who had gathered near Bogotá's National Park, reports said.

Demonstrators also gathered outside Congress in Bolivar Plaza, near the presidential palace.

Separately, late on Friday, three Police Officers were killed in a bomb attack in the country's south-west.

It is not clear if the incident is connected to the protests. The area is notorious for drug trafficking and gang violence.

Colombians have taken to the streets over possible changes to the minimum wage, pension and tax reforms, and the privatisation of State companies. The Government insists there are no planned pension or labour reforms and that any changes would take place in consultation with labour groups. (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 25, 2019

17

Around the world

Small plane Data leak reveals how China in eastern 'brainwashes' Uighurs in prison camps crashes Congo, killing at

L

eaked documents detail for the first time China's systematic brainwashing of hundreds of thousands of Muslims in a network of high-security prison camps.

The leak was made to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which has worked with 17 media partners, including BBC Panorama and The Guardian newspaper in the UK. The leaked Chinese Government documents, which the ICIJ have labelled "The China Cables", include a nine-page memo sent out in 2017 by Zhu Hailun, then Deputy-Secretary of Xinjiang's Communist Party

and the region's top security official, to those who run the camps.

The instructions make it clear that the camps should be run as high-security prisons, with strict discipline, punishments and no escapes.

The documents reveal how every aspect of a detainee's life is monitored and controlled: "The students should have a fixed

bed position, fixed queue position, fixed classroom seat, and fixed station during skills work, and it is strictly forbidden for this to be changed.

The memo details how detainees will only be released when they can demonstrate they have transformed their behaviour, beliefs and language.

Ben Emmerson QC, a leading human rights law-

yer and an adviser to the World Uighur Congress, said the camps were trying to change people's identity.

The punishment-and-reward system helps determine whether inmates are allowed contact with family and when they are released. They are only considered for release once four Communist Party committees have seen evidence they have been transformed.

The documents include explicit directives to arrest Uighurs with foreign citizenship and to track Uighurs living abroad. They suggest that China's embassies and consulates are involved in the global dragnet. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the country's Judiciary to mete out harsh sentences to those involved in the deadly demonstrations.

"We caught all the mercenaries who openly confessed they were doing mercenary work for America and, God willing, the judicial system of the country will give them maximum punishments," Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi,

a Deputy Commander of IRGC, was quoted as saying by the Mizan news site.

Citing law enforcement officials, Fars news agency said on Sunday that 180 ringleaders were arrested over the street violence.

Iran's leadership has blamed "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia - for stir-

ring up unrest, which led to some of the worst violence in the country in a decade.

"There are no non-Muslim countries around us, but unfortunately they carried out these evil acts in violation of both Islam and neighbourliness," said Fadavi. "We will definitely give a response appropriate to the vicious acts they did."

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

choice facing the country in this "closely fought" contest had "never been starker".

"Get Brexit done and we can focus our hearts and minds on the priorities of the British people," he added.

The manifesto, which the PM described as a "partial blueprint" for the future of the country, promises 20,000 more Police officers and to "level up" schools funding.

BBC assistant political editor Norman Smith said it was a pared-back, "take-nochances" manifesto.

A plan to lift income tax thresholds for middle-earners to £80,000, announced

during the Tory leadership campaign, has been dropped, with Johnson saying this "was not the time" for such a move.

The Prime Minister promised to bring back the Withdrawal Agreement Bill to Parliament before December 25.

The Conservatives want MPs to ratify the Prime Minister's Brexit deal before the UK is due to leave the EU on January 31. After this there would be a "transition period" - during which the UK would continue to follow EU rules while the two sides try to work out a permanent trade deal.

Experts the BBC spoke to warn what was happening behind the fences amounted to “psychological torture”

Iran vows to punish “mercenaries” behind deadly demonstrations

I

ran has promised to severely punish "mercenaries" arrested over nationwide street protests sparked by a fuel-price rise as much of the country came back online after a week-long internet blackout.

A senior Commander of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday urged

General election 2019: PM Boris Johnson vows to “forge a new Britain”

T

he Conservatives will "get Brexit done" and "forge a new Britain", Boris Johnson has said as he launched the party's election manifesto.

He promised 50,000 more nurses in England and the creation of 50 million more GP appointments.

Other pledges include tighter immigration controls and not to increase rates of income tax, national insurance and VAT. The 59-page manifesto comes 18 days before the general election.

Speaking at its launch in Telford, Shropshire, the Prime Minister said the

I

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the weekly Cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, November 24, 2019

Benny Gantz, secured a majority in Parliament in elections in April and September.

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, which petitioned for Netanyahu to step aside,

said in its filing to the Supreme Court that the first criminal charges against a sitting Prime Minister constituted “the crossing of a red line and a grave blow to public trust in ruling institu-

The plane came down in a densely populated area

A

t least 27 people were killed, including some on the ground, when a small plane crashed into a densely populated neighbourhood in the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, a rescue official said.

The propeller plane, which was operated by local company Busy Bee, crashed shortly after take-off en route to the city of Beni, about 250 km (155 miles) to the north, officials said.

The company said the 19-seater Dornier 228-200 had 16 passengers and two crew members on board.

There was no word yet on what might have caused the accident.

Joseph Makundi, the coordinator of rescue services in Goma, told Reuters that 27 bodies had been recovered from the rubble, including those of several people hit by falling debris.

At the crash site, residents threw water from buckets and cooking pots onto the smouldering wreckage. The rear section of the plane rested sideways, propped up by a wall, videos posted on social media showed.

Police arrested one man for stealing cash from the rubble and fired warning shots to disperse people who had started looting, he said.

Air accidents are relatively frequent in Congo because of lax safety standards and poor maintenance. All Congolese commercial carriers, including Busy Bee, are banned from operating in the European Union.

A cargo plane departing from the same airport and carrying staff members of President Felix Tshisekedi crashed an hour after takeoff last month, killing all eight people on board.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

After months of protests, Hong Kong poll PM Boris Johnson said “prevarication and procrastination” over Brexit have undermined trust in politics

The manifesto rules out extending the transition period beyond the December 31, 2020 deadline. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Netanyahu faces court, party challenges after indictment

srael’s top court on Sunday dismissed a petition to order Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges.

The four-term conservative leader has pushed back against the indictment and also a challenge from within his ruling party by projecting business as usual, touring the country’s northern frontier and ramping up rhetoric about Iranian threats.

Netanyahu’s indictment on Thursday came amid political disarray in Israel, after neither Netanyahu nor his main challenger, centrist

least 27 people

tions”.

For his part, Netanyahu kept his focus on security and toured the Golan Heights with top military brass.

Gantz’s mandate to form a Government - after an unsuccessful attempt

by Netanyahu to do so - expired on Wednesday. The next day, Israel’s President declared a three-week period in which lawmakers can nominate one of their own to try to put together a ruling coalition.

Should that fail, a new election – Israel’s third in a year – will be triggered.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

draws record turnout

M

illions voted in Hong Kong in highly anticipated local elections seen as a barometer of public opinion after nearly six months of increasingly violent protests that polarised the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Vote counting was underway with official results expected this morning. No violence was reported during the elections.

Total turnout exceeded 2.94 million voters, a rate of 71 per cent, surpassing a record from the previous legislative council election in 2016 of about 1.47 million.

As of 4 am (20:00 GMT), pro-democracy candidates had won at least 207 seats, compared to about 18 seats for the pro-establishment camp, according to local media estimates. A record 1104 candidates were vying for 452 seats.

Before daybreak on Sunday, long queues began to snake around the city's neighbourhoods as a mix of

young and old voters waited for the polls - the first since political unrest erupted in June - to open.

In the working-class neighbourhood of Yau Ma Tei, a regular scene of clashes between Police and demonstrators, no one waiting in line wore black, surgical masks or chanted slogans - all hallmarks of the pro-democracy protest movement.

A record 4.1 million people, including 400,000 new voters, signed up to cast ballots in the poll that will see all 452 seats across Hong Kong's 18 districts contested.

For the past few weeks, doubts loomed over whether the elections would even take place. Several candidates on both sides were attacked and multiple pro-democracy candidates were arrested, while prominent democracy activist Joshua Wong was barred from running. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 25, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

A quick decision will change your outlook and immediate future. A financial or professional gain is within reach. Secrets are best kept. Help someone who depends on you.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Concentrate on whatever brings you joy. If you take the initiative to get things done, you will not be disappointed with the results. If you attend social events, creative ideas will develop.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SATURDAY’S

SOLUTION FOr SATURDAY’S puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t fear change. Give your dreams and goals a chance to flourish. Stop putting things off and start doing what you know in your heart is best for you.

You can achieve plenty if you are diligent and straightforward. The more open you are, the easier it will be to clear up unfinished business and pending problems. Love is in the air.

Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Be careful whom you trust with your secrets. Personal problems will surface if you are too demanding. Diplomacy and patience will pay off.

Travel should be on your agenda. You will discover something about your past that will change your direction. The information you receive will encourage you to try something new.

Make a choice and turn a negative into a positive.

Refuse to let anyone cloud your vision or interfere with your decision. Focus on work and financial gains.

Your determination to get your way and to get things done will help you accelerate your plans. As long as you are humble and gracious, your actions will succeed.

A change someone makes will disrupt your life.

Dealings with institutions or government agencies will be met with frustrating delays, but the end result will be to your benefit.

A partnership looks promising. If you discuss your intentions, it will lead to an excellent deal. Prosperity is apparent, and a better relationship is evident. Romance will be overpowering.

Don’t believe or get involved in rumors. Making decisions based on assumptions will lead you down a slippery slope. Focus on entertainment, relaxation and personal growth.

You will discover valuable information if you strive to find out the truth. Social events will lead to romance.

Develop a creative interest and look at the possibilities.

monday, november 25, 2019

19

round-up:

LaVine caps career night with winning 3

Z

ach LaVine drilled a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining off a Coby White steal to cap a career-high 49-point night and help visiting Chicago rally past Charlotte.

LaVine set a Bulls franchise record with a career-best 13 treys, as Chicago shot 22-for-47 (46.8 percent) from deep. Charlotte led 110-102 with 45.4 seconds left but was unable to hold on en route to its fourth straight defeat.

After Tomas Satoransky hit a 3-pointer with eight seconds left to cut the deficit to 115-113, the Bulls overwhelmed Devonte’ Graham on the ensuing inbounds pass. White slapped the ball to LaVine, who dribbled behind the 3-point line, turned and sunk a fade-away jumper.

One night after a home loss to the Miami Heat — in which coach Jim Boylen pulled LaVine early for a trio of “egregious” defensive mistakes — the Bulls responded with better focus early on. LaVine seemed to internalize the message more than most, scoring 11 points in the first 12 minutes.

Bucks 104, Pistons 90 Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points and 10 rebounds, and streaking Milwaukee continued its dominance over Detroit.

Wesley Matthews contributed 13 points, Eric Bledsoe tossed in 11 and George Hill chipped in nine for the host Bucks, who pulled away in the final quarter to stretch their winning streak to seven games. Reserve Sterling Brown had seven points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Milwaukee swept the four-game regular-season series and a best-ofseven playoff series against Detroit last season.

Raptors 119, Hawks 116 Pascal Siakam scored 12 of his game-high 34 points in the final 6 1/2 minutes to help visiting Toronto hold off the upset-minded Hawks.

The Raptors led 112-100 with

1:59 remaining but Atlanta fought back and cut the lead to 118-116 on De’Andre Hunter’s 3-pointer with 11.5 seconds left. Toronto’s Rondae HollisJefferson was fouled and made one of two free throws with 4.5 seconds left, giving the Hawks a final chance to tie. But Atlanta’s Trae Young missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The loss ruined the second career triple-double for Young, who picked up his first as a rookie last season against Brooklyn. Young finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Pacers 111, Magic 106 Aaron Holiday bombed in a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining, giving host Indiana a victory over Orlando in a battle of injuryplagued teams.

Domantas Sabonis went for 25 points for the Pacers, who managed to open a four-game homestand with a win despite missing Malcolm Brogdon, a pregame scratch because of a bad back, and Victor Oladipo, who is still rehabbing a knee injury.

The Magic lost for a second

straight time on a four-game trip after learning earlier in the day that they’d lost Nikola Vucevic for at least a week with a severely sprained right ankle.

Forward Aaron Gordon, also bothered by an ankle injury, had to sit out the tightly contested game as well.

Spurs 111, Knicks 104 LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 points as San Antonio Spurs snapped an eightgame losing skid with a victory over host New York in Madison Square Garden.

DeMar DeRozan collected 21 points and nine rebounds and Patty Mills sank all five of his 3-point attempts to highlight his 17-point performance f o r the Spurs, w h o ended their worst slide since t h e 1 9 9 6 9 7

LA Lakers forward LeBron James drives against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jae Crowder (USA TODAY Sports)

season.

Jakob Poeltl had 11 points and 10 rebounds as San Antonio posted its first win since a 121-112 victory against Oklahoma City on Nov. 7.

Suns 100, Timberwolves 98 Devin Booker scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half and finished one assist short of his first career tripledouble (he added 12 rebounds and nine assists) as Phoenix broke a seasonlong three-game losing streak with a narrow victory over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Kelly Oubre Jr. had 25 points, 11 rebounds and three 3-pointers, and Frank Kaminsky had nine points on three 3-pointers while making his third straight start. The Suns won for the first time without injured starters Ricky Rubio and Aron Baynes.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 31 points and 17 rebounds, Keita Bates-Diop had career highs with 22 points and three 3-pointers, and Andrew Wiggins had 21 points for the Timberwolves, who have lost four straight home games and five of their last six at home.

Sixers 113, Heat 86 Josh Richardson hit six 3-pointers and scored a season-high 32 points in his first game against his former team as host Philadelphia routed Miami.

Richardson returned after missing the last two games with a right hip flexor strain to shoot 11 for 15. Joel Embiid had 23 points and 11 rebounds, Tobias Harris scored 19 points and Al Horford had 16.

The Sixers have won four in a row and improved to 7-0 at home.

Tyler Herro led the Heat with 20 points, Goran Dragic added 18, Bam Adebayo contributed 12 and Jimmy Butler had 11 on 4-for-13 shooting.

Lakers 109, Grizzlies 108 LeBron James scored 30 points, leading visiting Los Angeles to a victory over Memphis.

Anthony Davis added 22 points, five blocks and three steals for the Lakers, who captured their seventh straight victory. Rajon Rondo had 14 points and six assists.

Ja Morant led Memphis with 26 points, five steals and six assists, while Jae Crowder scored 21 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 20 points and seven boards. The Grizzlies dropped their third in a row.

Jazz 128, Pelicans 120 Donovan Mitchell established season bests of 37 points and six 3-pointers to help Utah past New Orleans in Salt Lake City.

Bojan Bogdanovic added 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting as the Jazz built a 20-point halftime lead en route to winning for the third straight game.

Jeff Green scored 15 points and Tony Bradley made his first NBA start in place of injured Rudy Gobert (ankle) and had season highs of 14 points (on 7-of-8 shooting) and nine rebounds.

Cavaliers 110, Trail Blazers 104 Larry Nance Jr. stopped a Portland run with a dunk with 2:38 remaining to help Cleveland hold off the visiting Blazers to end a six-game losing streak.

Jordan Clarkson scored a game-high 28 points to provide a happy ending for Cleveland basketball fans, who could have seen another shootout between multiple-time All-Stars Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony — had Love not been held out in the second night of a backto-back.

Anthony played 34 minutes and totaled 11 points for Portland. (Reuters)

Spain beat Canada to win Davis Cup R

afael Nadal clinched an emotional Davis Cup victory for Spain when he beat Denis Shapovalov in front of a jubilant home crowd in Madrid.

His 6-3 7-6 (9-7) win sealed the title, with Roberto Bautista Agut returning to the team three days after his father’s death

Rafael Nadal won all of his matches this week to help Spain take their sixth Davis Cup title (Reuters)

to put the hosts 1-0 up.

Bautista Agut was in tears after beating 19-yearold Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in the opener.

Nadal’s win gave Spain an unassailable 2-0 lead and a sixth Davis Cup title.

The world number one has won all eight of his rubbers this week to help Spain to a first title since 2011 and ensure local fans were celebrating a the end of the inaugural edition of the competition’s revamped version.

Agut puts aside grief to deliver for Spain While Nadal’s victory settled the title, it was Bautista Agut’s performance so soon after his bereavement that heightened the emotions.

Bautista Agut went home on Thursday after his father was taken ill. The Spanish federation later announced the player’s dad had died.

But the world number nine returned to Madrid to watch his team-mates beat Great Britain in the semifinals on Saturday before being recalled for the final.

The 31-year-old, whose mother died last year, pointed to the sky after claiming victory when AugerAliassime went wide on the first of three match points.

He hugged his captain Sergi Bruguera before leaping into the arms of his delighted team-mates in the stands.

“It was very special feeling on the court and I just could go out to try my best, give my best,” he told Eurosport.

“I am very happy I could win the first point for Spain.”

Auger-Aliassime was playing his first match at the revamped tournament this week after an ankle injury, with Canada reaching their first final by using just the same two players in all of their singles and doubles matches - Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil. (BBC Sport)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monday, november 25, 2019

Macorp’s CEO wins in ‘Spa-tacular’ fashion N

othing could dampen the spirits of many of the top golfers in Guyana on Sunday, especially since they were eager to enjoy the fabulously conditioned grounds of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC); and play in the annual Spas and Beauty Treatment Tournament reflected this superbly.

This tournament was dominated by Macorp CEO Guillermo Escarraga with a tournament low score of 84/65/19 in the 19-28 Flight.

In one of his best rounds of the year, veteran golfer Maurice Solomon produced a score of 93/67/26 to take second place; while, not to be outdone, fellow Macorp executive Miguel Oviedo shot 97/70/27 to place third. He also won the Nearest to Pin Award.

Bholawram Deo, with a score of 91/72/19, claimed the fourth spot.

In the 10-18 Flight, Mike Gayadin, returning to action following injuries previously sustained, crushed the competition with a score of 80/68/12 to win both the Best Net and Best Gross prizes.

He was followed by Dr Joaan Deo (85/70), who won the tie for 2nd place from Ravindra Harry (also 85/70).

Bridgelall Harry (86/71/15) and Dr Philbert London

From left: Patrick Prashad, Brian Hackett, Alfred Mentore, Miguel Oviedo, Joaan Deo, Guillermo Escarraga, Club President Aleem Hussain, Mike Gayadin, Maurice Solomon, Peter Lekkerkert, and Parmanand Persaud after the day’s play

(89/71/18) completed the top five in that group.

The Longest Drive prize was won by Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud of this group.

In the 0-9 ‘championship’ Flight, the battle was fierce as veteran golfers Alfred Mentore 81/72/9 and Patrick Prashad 80/72/8 locked horns to tie scores; but Mentore, a former Guyana Open champion and now current Georgetown Deputy Mayor, won the Best Net on the countback, while

Prashad won the Best Gross prize.

According to Mentore, “The early morning rains slowed the course and the greens a bit. However, I did play well all around, and am glad to record that my performance was the best in my Flight.”

Club President Aleem Hussain (82/73/9), former Guyana Open champion Mike Mangal (83/75), and overseas member Jaipaul Suknanan (85/76/9) rounded out the

top five positions in this 0-9 Flight.

Assisting with presentation of prizes to the winners on behalf of the Spas were former Club President Brian Hackett, longtime member Ian Gouveia, and visiting golfer Peter Lekkerkert from Sao Paulo, Brazil, who was playing for the first time in Guyana and represented himself well to shoot a net 86.

“Despite the onset of the rainy season, it is obvious that

the work done to the course by Macorp under the supervision of Mike Gayadin is paying off,” said Hussain. “We have been able to play golf with just 4 days of weather-related interruption in two years, a testament to what can be done with vision and cooperation.”

The Annual Spas & Beauty Treatment Tournament was created by the LGC President in 2018. This year, prizes from three of Guyana’s top Spas Nayelli, Healing Waters and

Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spas – were featured.

The LGC President thanked the companies for their generous contributions, and urged the members and winners to take full advantage of the prizes and services provided by the sponsors.

Nayelli Salon & Spa is located at 211 New Market Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown and can be contacted on phone #592-2262124. It offers a wide variety of top spa experiences, including individual, parties, showers and customized services; and caters to all needs, from hair treatment and styling to pedicures and everything in-between.

Healing Waters Spa is located at the Ramada Princess International Hotel at Lot ‘BX’ Block ‘Z’, Plantation Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara. It can be contacted on phone #592-2657495. It offers world-class services on all types of treatments and beauty care packages.

Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon is located at Lot 3 Church Street, Georgetown and can be contacted on phone #660-0333/663-0021. It provides exotic healing treatments, massages, and a wide variety of options for all types of body beauty needs.

Sheffield United salvage dramatic late point against Manchester United S

heffield United scored a dramatic late equaliser to salvage a point against Manchester United, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had recovered from two goals down to lead at Bramall Lane.

Oliver McBurnie’s 90th-minute strike was awarded following a nervous wait as the video assistant referee reviewed the goal for a potential handball as the forward controlled Callum Robinson’s cross.

Three goals in a blistering seven minutes appeared to have rescued Solskjaer’s largely lacklustre side, who looked all but beaten after Lys Mousset added to John Fleck’s opener for Chris Wilder’s side seven minutes after the interval.

But 19-year-old left-back Brandon Williams’ goal after 72 minutes sparked the visitors into life, before substitute Mason Greenwood levelled and Marcus Rashford sent the visitors ahead.

That was not enough to see off a resilient Sheffield United, however, with Manchester United ninth in the standings after McBurnie’s late equaliser.

In a remarkable game, the Blades dominated their opponents for long periods and looked set for a first league win over Manchester United since 1992.

David de Gea had already produced fine saves to keep out John Lundstram and David McGoldrick when Mousset robbed Phil Jones in the build-up to the opener.

Mousset teed up Lundstram whose shot was saved by De Gea before Fleck bundled home the rebound.

It went from bad to worse for Solskjaer’s side as Mousset beat De Gea with a sumptuous drilled finish from outside the penalty

area.

However, the visitors turned the game on its head, as Williams produced a clever first-time finish before Greenwood scored from close range.

England forward Rashford thought he had won it 11 minutes from time after rounding off a fine move by tucking home from eight yards, only for McBurnie to level - after a lengthy check by the video assistant referee to see if the Scotland striker had handled before scoring.

Uncomfortable afternoon for Solskjaer

Manchester United had won five of their previous six games in all competitions to leave manager Solskjaer optimistic about the future after a difficult start to the season.

Yet this was an uncomfortable watch for long spells as his players were bullied by the newly promoted Blades - days after Mauricio Pochettino, linked with a move to Old Trafford last season, became available after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite their late comeback, United have won just one of their past 11 Premier League away games. They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 12 top-flight away games, their worst streak since a run of 15 in 1985-86.

With more points dropped, Manchester United sit nine points adrift of the top four Champions League qualification spots.

They managed just one shot on target during a woeful first-half showing - Anthony Martial testing

goalkeeper Simon Moore, who was making his first Premier League start, in the 29th minute.

Their second shot on target started the comeback - Williams’ shot nestling in the corner before Greenwood’s equaliser after good work by Rashford, who converted the third from Daniel James’ cutback.

Spirited Blades battle to the end

Wilder did not know whether to laugh or cry at the final whistle after a game which provoked an incredible roller-coaster of emotions.

Despite missing first-choice keeper Dean Henderson - on loan from Manchester United and ineligible to play against them - as well as ever-present defender John Egan, the Blades turned on the style.

Mousset is proving one of the bargain buys of the season. Since joining from Bournemouth for £10m in the summer, the French forward has four Premier League goals and three assists.

He was heavily involved in his side’s first before

producing a sublime finish to double the lead.

Wilder will be concerned at the way his defence capitulated but Sheffield United’s never-say-die spirit was once again evident.

This was the fifth time this season they have come from behind to salvage a point in the Premier League. (BBC Sport)

Sheffield United striker Lys Mousset (left) worked hard in the build-up to his side’s opener, before scoring a great goal in an all-round impressive display (Getty Images)

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 25, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS Educational

21

Rio Indoor Street-ball Championship tourney…

All-Stars, Leopold St, Albouystown record massive wins

First Aid/CPR And Home Nursing Classes. Kindly call 225-9082 or visit St. John Association 110 Cowan St., Georgetown to enroll for new classes now being scheduled.

FOR SALE Left Hand Drive Toyota Corolla $380,000 neg. 680-3863 For sale as is, 2006 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, $1.2M call 651-9620.

Pure Bred German Shepard Pups, 2 Months, Fully Vaccinated and Dewormed. Parents available for viewing. 622-0015 / 220-8559

LAND FOR SALE TRANSPORTED HOUSELOTS SARAH JOANNA EAST BANK DEMERARA # 673-9231 / 216-4063/ 685-5476

property for sale Property for Sale: 2 Huge Land by Street Corner/ Public Road in Grove EBD. 2 Story Building on 1 Land and Bond on the other land, 100 x 99 or 9,940 Square Feet. Ideal for Supermarket/ Hardware Store etc.

For further info, Call: 694-6606.

S

parta Boss, Gold is Money, Rio All-Stars, Leopold Street and Bent Street have each earned elimination berths in the inaugural Rio Indoor Street-ball Championship tourney when play commenced on Saturday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

Sparta Boss downed

Part of Saturday evening’s action at the National Gymnasium

Alexander Village 3-1 through goals scored by Gregory Richardson, Ryan Hackett and Nicholas MacArthur in the fifth, seventh and 11th minutes respectively. For Alexander Village, Kacy John scored in the eighth minute.

Gold is Money squeaked past Sophia 1-0 through a Josiah Charles’ effort netted in

the eighth minute.

Rio All-Stars blanked Spot7 by a 5-0 scoreline. Kelsey Benjamin netted a double in the sixth and 12th minutes, while Job Caesar, Jermin Junior and Andrew Murray scored in the ninth, 16th and 18th minutes respectively.

Leopold Street dismissed Ol Skool 5-1 through a Dorwin

George hat trick scored in the eighth, ninth and 18th minutes, while Mark Jhalu and Darren Benjamin scored in the fourth and seventh minutes respectively. The Ol Skool goal was netted by Timothy Thomas in the 13th minute.

Bent Street crushed BV 5-0.

Colin Nelson’s helmet trick came from goals scored in the

fifth, seventh, 12th and 16th minutes, while Pernell Schultz netted in the ninth minute.

In other results, Albouystown crushed Stabroek Ballers 4-1, while Gaza Squad and Island All-Stars battled to a 1-1 draw.

The tournament continues on Thursday at the same venue.

Port Mourant Turf Club horse race meet set for December 15

TO LET For Rent: 2 Story Concrete House for Rental in residential gated community in Georgetown. 5 Bedrooms A/C, 5 Complete Bathroom, Hot and Cold Water, Backup Generator, Large Yard Space, 2 Living Room A/C, Office, 4 Patio, 2 Car Garage. Call Tel: 6946606 (serious enquires only) FOR RENT BY OWNER. 8000 sq ft of warehouse/office space on the BV (Beterverwagting) Public Rd, East Coast Demerara. Multiple air-conditioned offices. USD $4500 NEGOTIABLE. Call or Whatsapp 592610-6580

VACANCIES Handyman to assist with yard work, etc. $3,000 per day - 680-3863 Pump Attendant - 680-3863 Store Helper - 624-0033 • Lorry Driver/Salesman, • Van Driver/ Salesman. *Must have sound secondary education *Ages between 25-40 years. Call: 617-1809 Bill Payment Clerk - 624-0033 Driver for Water delivery - 680-3863 Porter for Water delivery - 680-3863

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY

COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

Action in a previous horse race meeting in Berbice (Brandon Corlette photo)

T

he Port Mourant Turf Club in East Berbice/Corentyne (Region 6) plans to stage a grand one-day horse race meeting at its premises on Sunday December 15.

Action is proposed to commence from 13:00h, and eight races are slated for the card. The ‘B & Lower’ race, main event on the card, will be run over a distance of 1600 metres for a winner’s

prize of $600,000.

The race for ‘two-year-old maiden Guyana-bred’ horses will be run over a distance of 1000 metres for a winner’s purse of $240,000; while the ‘H & Lower’ class race for 2019 non-winners will be run over a distance of 1000 metres for a winner’s prize of $300,000.

The race for ‘G3 & Lower- classified’ animals will also be run over a distance

of 1600 metres for a winner’s prize of $300,000; while the race for ‘L Class’ animals will be run over a distance of 1500 metres for a winner’s prize of $120,000.

The race for ‘L non-winner class’ animals will be run over a distance of 1300 metres for a first prize of $100,00; while the race for animals classified ‘J & Lower’ and ‘2-year-old Guyana-bred’ will

be run over a distance of 1300 metres for a winner’s prize of $240,000.

The race for animals classified ‘K Class’ horses will be run over a distance of 1200 metres for a winner’s prize of $140,000.

Persons desiring further information are invited to contact Kris Jagdeo on 624-6123; R Gajnabi on 643-9696; Turbo Jagdeo on 618-7278; C Ramnauth on 6971979, or Dennis Deoroop on 640-6396.

Holder wants to win inaugural Test against Afghanistan

W

est Indies captain Jason Holder expects his team will be up to the mark, though they could be a spin bowling-friendly surface when they face Afghanistan in the one-off Test match, later this week.

The Test will be the first between the two teams, as the city of Lucknow also prepares to host its first Test. First ball on Wednesday is at 9:30 am (12:30am ECT). This will be the sixth and final Test for West Indies this year.

Holder is the world’s leading all-rounder in red-ball cricket and said there is a great appetite for success among his players.

In his career so far, the six-footer has emerged as one of the game’s leading performers with an impressive Test match double of 1,887 runs (average 33) and 101 wickets (average 27) in 39 matches.

“We are really up for this, we really want to win this match and we really want to end the series with a win and end the year in a high, where Test cricket is concerned. I don’t think we play another Test match until we tour England next year,” Holder said in an interview with CWI Media.

“Having started the year with a series win, it would be fitting to end the year with a series win. Afghanistan will be no pushovers especially in these conditions which they are familiar with. I expect they will play plenty spinners. It will be up to our batsmen to negotiate their spinners and do it well… they have some really good spinners, but I believe we have the quality to do that. Our bowling unit has done well over the last three to four years – arguably one of the best bowling attacks in the world. Hopefully our bowling attack can continue.”

Earlier in the year West Indies beat England 2-1 at home to regain the prestigious Wisden Trophy after a decade. They

however lost 0-2 to India at home in late August into early September. Overall West Indies have played 544 Test matches – with 173 wins, 175 draws, 195 defeats and one famous tie against Australia in Brisbane back in 1960. Since arriving in Lucknow at the start of the month, West Indies were dominant early in the series with 3-0 clean sweep in the One-Day International. They however lost 1-2 – after taking the first match.

“In the Caribbean you get more bounce than we have seen in the surfaces here, even though we have noticed the pace of the pitches back home has slowed down a bit. For me the skill level of our bowlers is what has really done it for us. We have Kemar Roach, who has been tremendous and who is approaching 200 Test wickets, and we’ve also seen great improvement and commitment from Shannon Gabriel, who even though he’s not here, has been good for us.”

Holder pointed out.

“They have earned success mainly due to their tremendous skills, rather than due to pace. In this day and age, you have to be skillful with the ball. We also have spinners who are eager to get going in these conditions because, as we all have noticed, the conditions will favor the slow bowlers. Overall, it will be a good challenge and I’m looking forward to the start of it.” (CWI)

Jason Holder

22

monday, november 25, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Colonial Medical Insurance Regional

Cup...

Foo’s 97* in vain as Bravo leads Red Force to victory G uyana Jaguars went down to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by six wickets on Saturday last in a match played at the Queen’s Park Oval in that twin-island Republic.

Darren Bravo extended his form with a brilliant innings of 98, chasing Jaguars’ 219 made in 46 overs. Red Force ended supreme on 220-4 in 44.3 overs, and won the game with nine balls to spare.

Bravo was supported by Jason Mohammed,

who hit an unbeaten 71 to complement Bravo’s 98 made from 119 balls in an innings laced with seven sixes and four boundaries.

Bursting on the scene five years ago, Guyana Jaguars batsman Jonathan Foo had captured the imagination of the Guyanese people but had failed to live up to their expectations.

This season is his second coming, and on Saturday night he showed class against the T&T Red Force when he fought their entire attack and single-

Jason Mohammed

Renaldo Ali-Mohamed made his debut for the senior Guyana Team

handedly revived the Jaguars innings, which was capitulating to a quality spin attack from the local franchise.

T h e i r final tally o f 2188 off 46 overs would have been a lot less had it not been for his unbeaten 97.

Red Force skipper Imran Khan wreaked havoc with three wickets for 23 runs off his 10 overs, but Foo patiently saw him off; and his 97 came off 92 balls, with four sixes and

Jonathan Foo

six fours. His stand of 71 runs for the sixth wicket with Ronaldo Alimohammed was the backbone of this effort.

Alimohammed contributed a priceless 27 to this effort.

T&T had earlier won the toss and had send Guyana in to bat, given that rain was imminent. The dangerous

Chandrapaul Hemraj was the first wicket to fall, sent back by spinner Jon Russ Jaggessar for eight.

The frustration that led to the fall of his wicket came from the pain of seeing just 17 runs on the board in over number eight.

The spinners held sway,

and although ball-striker Chris Barnwell came in at #3, he became tied down as the twirlers got into their element.

He used 16 balls to notch six runs, and could not help his team gather momentum. He couldn’t depend on the dour Tagenarine Chanderpaul at the other end, as the latter batted slowly as usual.

All the while, the Red Force bowlers were enjoying the afternoon, watched by a small gathering of supporters. Khan soon ended Chanderpaul’s misery by sending him back to the pavilion, where his illustrious dad Shivnarine Chanderpaul was ensconced. His 25 came off 58 balls, with one hit to the ropes.

Guyana will meet USA today, Monday November 25, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba from 13:30h.

The Jaguars are currently in third position in Group B with 16 points.

They face an uphill task to qualify for the semis.

With 24 points, Red Force are guaranteed qualification, while the Emerging Players have 18

points and one match to play -- against the same Red Force. If Jaguars win against the USA and the Emerging Players lose to the Red Force, qualification may be decided by net run rate or head-to-head performance.

Jaguars’ net run rate is -0.017, while the Emerging Players have a net run rate of 0.331.

Darren Bravo

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars Innings T Chanderpaul c †Katwaroo b Khan 25 C Hemraj b Jaggesar 8 CD Barnwell c Webster b Khan 6 JA Foo not out 97 LR Johnson (c) c Jaggesar b Ottley 13 A Bramble † c Hope b Khan 1 R Ali Mohamed c Jaggesar b Ottley 27 RA Lewis c Khan b Smith 10 V Permaul run out (Hope/†Katwaroo) 22 Extras (b 4, lb 2, w 3) 9 TOTAL (46 Overs, RR: 4.73) 218/8 Did not bat: C Pestano, G Moti-Kanhai Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Chandrapaul Hemraj, 7.3 ov), 2-32 (Chris Barnwell, 12.3 ov), 3-55 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 18.4 ov), 4-76 (Leon Johnson, 23.5 ov), 5-78 (Anthony Bramble, 24.3 ov), 6-149 (Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, 39.1 ov), 7-168 (Ramaal Lewis, 41.3 ov), 8-218 (Veerasammy Permaul, 45.6 ov) BOWLING : A Phillip (9-0-580), JL Jaggesar (4-0-8-1), AJ Hosein (9-1-34-0), I Khan (100-23-3), OF Smith (6-0-51-1),

KYG Ottley (8-0-38-2) Trinidad & Tobago Innings (target: 219 runs from 46 overs) T Webster b Permaul 14 KA Hope c Ali Mohamed b Permaul 8 AJ Hosein c †Bramble b Ali Mohamed 16 DM Bravo c Ali Mohamed b Pestano 98 JN Mohammed not out 71 KYG Ottley not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 10) 12 TOTAL (44.3 Overs, RR: 4.94) 220/4 Did not bat: JL Jaggesar, S Katwaroo †, I Khan (c), OF Smith, A Phillip Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Tion Webster, 2.4 ov), 2-26 (Kyle Hope, 6.4 ov), 3-51 (Akeal Hosein, 13.2 ov), 4-216 (Darren Bravo, 42.5 ov) BOWLING : R Ali Mohamed (5-0-33-1), C Pestano (9-0-44-1), V Permaul (9-0-49-2), G Moti-Kanhai (7-0-28-0), RA Lewis (10-025-0), CD Barnwell (4-0-370), C Hemraj (0.3-0-2-0)

Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill Level Squash Tourney 2019…

Shomari wins thriller against Samuel to claim title T

he last ball hit by Shomari Wiltshire in the final match of the Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill Level Squash Tournament secured his crown at the Georgetown Club on Sunday.

Wiltshire was facing Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, who also was unbeaten as they went into the final match.

Both youngsters played some great squash, and InceCarvalhal earned a respectable 7 points in the third game; but being the maestro that he is, Wiltshire calmly placed his shots and worked the court to achieve a clean slate in the tournament. He did not drop a single game.

The range of play for these top junior players was outstanding, and the execution of their shots rang out with the sheer pace of the ball hitting the front wall. Ince-Carvalhal

played a complete game, but was overshadowed by the skill of the Caribbean number 1 player, who dominated for the 11/5, 11/3, 11/7 win.

The battle for third place, waged between Nicholas Verwey and Michael Alphonso, was reminiscent of the final of the Junior Caribbean Squash tournament played for the title in Trinidad

Shomari Wiltshire

earlier this year, when Alphonso took the title in three straight games.

The tables were turned this time, as Verwey’s reach and retrieval proved too much for the skilful Alphonso. Verwey forged ahead early and took the first game comfortably, before Alphonso made a bid for the second game, which played out to 12/10 in Verwey’s favour.

Long rallies with some breath-taking retrieval had the crowd on the edge of its seat before a collected Verwey dominated the final game for the 11/7, 12/10, 11/5 victory.

In category ‘B’, a much imp r o v e d

Mohryan Baksh topped the group of four with a clean slate of 3/0. His final match saw a valiant effort from the talented Kirsten Gomes in the first game earning her 8 points, but Baksh dominated the T, and moved Gomes around the court with calculated precision for two consecutive 11/4 games.

Young Tiana Gomes also enjoyed a clean sweep of her category ‘G’ group, which earned for her the Most Outstanding Girl’ special award.

Abhinav Singh was honoured to be awarded ‘Most Improved Boy’; Safirah Sumner was similarly honoured with the ‘Most Improved Girl’ award, and Dhiren Persaud was conferred with the ‘Most Outstanding Boy’ award.

The level of squash continues to improve, with the young players keeping Guyana firmly atop the hier-

archy of Caribbean Squash.

The GSA would like to thank the sponsors for supporting these athletes

throughout the year, and looks forward to another successful year for squash in 2020.

Final standings Category A

1st - Shomari Wiltshire 2nd - Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 3rd - Nicholas Verwey

Category B

1st -Mohryan Baksh 2nd - Kirsten Gomes 3rd - Lucas Jonas

Category C

1st - Louis DaSilva 2nd - Zachary Persaud 3rd - Shiloh Asregad 4th - Lajuan Munroe

Category D

1st - Dhiren Persaud 2nd - Rayad Boyce 3rd - Beau Fernandes 4th - Lucas Persaud

Category E

1st - Grant Fernandes 2nd - Safirah Sumner 3rd - Matthew Spooner

Category F

1st - Abhinav Singh 2nd - Brenno DaSilva 3rd - Bradley Walton 4th - Demetri Lowe 5th - Rylee Rodrigues

Category G

1st -Tiana Gomes 2nd - Solomon Ince-Carvalhal 3rd - Jnae Singh 4th - Nandishraj Singh 5th - Kassie Walcott

23

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, november 25, 2019

Diamond Mineral Water 46 miler…

Marcus Keiler defies odds to cop 1st win in 2 years

Marcus Keiler's trademark celebration at the finish

Cyclists at the presentation ceremony accompanied by officials and Diamond Mineral Water sponsor Story and photos by Brandon Corlette

T

eam Coco’s Marcus Keiler yesterday showed tenacity and class in the 20th annual Diamond Mineral Water 46-Mile Cycle Race -- from the Demerara Harbour Bridge at Schoonord, WBD to Parika, East Bank Essequibo and back -- when he stopped the clock at one hour, 45 minutes and 50 seconds to emerge victorious over a quality field of Guyana’s top wheelsmen.

He was closely tagged by ‘warrior’ cyclists Curtis “Chappy” Dey of Berbice, who rode in second position, and Walter Grant-Stuart, who came in third. The man who had set an early tone in the race, Deeraj Gharbaran, finished the tense race in fourth, while top duo Jamual John and Michael Anthony rode in fifth and sixth respectively.

As it happened

Under scintillating sunshine, 29 of Guyana’s top wheelsmen pedalled off for the final race of 2019; and Junior Niles, who looked in good shape to defend his title, “unleased

Looking back! Deeraj Ghabarran, Niles and Keiler heading to the turning point

the beast” by leading the race heading to the turning point. He was tailed by an aggressive Gharbaran, and the duo led the charge just before Leonora.

Team Coco’s Keiler joined the duo to lead the breakaway group, which saw this trio being the first to turn back at Parika, East Bank Essequibo. Assailed by a fierce sea

breeze that opposed all the cyclists, this trio led the race and enjoyed a 200-metre gap from the strong pack trailing, among which were Jamual John and Michael Anthony, who had their own battle ongoing in the midst of the race.

As expected, the bunch closed in on the trio of Niles, Gharbaran and Keiler. Niles and Gharbaran

dropped back, but Dey, GrantStuart and Keiler powered on for an exciting finish to the race.

Gharbaran then found himself in the midst of the top four as they steamed to the finish line at the Demerara Harbour Bridge for an exciting end to the race.

It was here that Keiler defied all the odds as he awed the crowd at the finish line with his stamina, copping his first win in two years.

During this extraordinary contest, Berbicians Green and Gharbaran copped two sprint prizes, while Anthony, Kemuel Moses, Niles and Keiler each took one.

In the veterans’ category, Ian Jackson defeated Kwame Ridley and Alex Mendes, who finished the race in that order. Jackson was also awarded the special prize for being the oldest cyclist in the race.

In the mountain bike category, Jamaul Copell rode in first, while Patrick Alphonso came in second.

Niles had completed this race in 2018 in a time of one hour 41 minutes, and 25 seconds; while Odealie Hodge had been the best junior rid-

er and Ozia McAulay had been the best mountain biker.

Keiler delighted

Being the only one from the breakaway trio to have continued powering on when caught up by the pack, Keiler was rewarded with the ever-so-sweet taste of victory. He told media operatives afterwards that it had been a tough race for him.

“It was difficult for me, because every time I tried to break away, the guys closed in; but the final break was successful, coming down to the finish. It is a very important win for me, because I was trying for (this win for) two years now. The closest I came was second, and the other occasion when I last came close to a win came when I was defeated by four guys on the line”, Keiler disclosed.

The Team Coco rider added that he would be aiming to take this win as a motivator and aspire to have a productive 2020 when the new cycling season commences.

Satro win inaugural Naeem Habeeb T20 cricket tournament S

PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali presents the winning trophy to the Captain of Satro Cricket Team after their victory on Sunday

atro Cricket Team batted their way to a win in the inaugral Naeem Habeeb T20 cricket tournament when the final was held on Saturday at the Leguan Community Centre Ground in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

The final was played between the Maryville Cricket Club and Satro. Maryville batted first and set a score of 102 all out from their allocated 20 overs. In reply, Satro made 107 for 5 in 15.5 overs.

In the highly competitive finals, the players exhibited some excellent cricket shots, and the bowling department was also well represented.

Taking home the “man of the match” award in the finals was Hookumchand Savitree, who scored 34; while the bowling trophy went to Siaf Razack, who took 4 for 17.

One of the players accepting his medal from an official on Sunday

This competition, which commenced in August, had six teams participating. The team that placed 3rd was Young Warriors, followed

by Blenheim Sports Club in 4th place, while Rebel Sports Club came in 5th and Enterprise Sports Club came in 6th place.

Tulsiram Premnauth was awarded for the highest individual score made in the tournament: 105. Taking the trophy for returning the best bowling figures of 5 for 11 was Troy Trotz. The teams were cheered on by cricket lovers and several regional officials and sponsors, including PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali. The competition was sponsored by Naeem Habeeb and Family, who are originally from Leguan but now reside at Ruby, East Bank Essequibo. This event is expected to become an annual feature.

monday, november 25, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Diamond Mineral Water 46 miler…

Marcus Keiler defies odds to cop 1st win in 2 years Page 23

The field takes shape for an exciting finish

Satro win inaugural Naeem Habeeb T20 cricket tournament

Page 23

PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali poses with the winning team of the inaugural Naeem Habeeb T20 cricket tournament at the Leguan Community Centre Ground on Sunday

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.