Guyana Times, Monday August 26, 2019

09 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4027

monday, august 26, 2019

Mother of 3 stabbed to death by estranged lover – 2nd ECD woman to be killed within 1 week guyanatimesgy.com

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Mid-Year Report shows

Guyana spent billions more on imports than it earned from exports

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CDC continues to monitor weather patterns P9

Linden to Lethem Road Project

Feasibility study for Linden to Mabura phase for December completion P10

See story on page 3

– import duties main driver behind increased customs, trade tax collection

P12 Damaged submarine cable to be restored shortly – Patterson

Manager of Fresco Supermarket P8 cleared of attempted murder charge

People’s Progressive Party/Civic Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali took time out of his busy schedule to interact with motor racing fans on Sunday when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosted its International Drag meet at the South Dakota Circuit

Ramjattan greeted with protest at Corriverton public meeting – tells residents closure of estate was right decision

See story on page 7

Vergenoegen Half, year-end reports among measures man critical to hold oil companies accountable after chopping Local Content Policy

Page 2

Page 9

Jagdeo raps Patterson on P11 alleged corrupt practices

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother of 3 stabbed to death by estranged lover – 2nd ECD woman to be killed within 1 week S hamaine Frank, a janitor of Lot 317 Victoria Village, ECD, was stabbed to death by the father of her three children at her home in the village in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Based on information received, the suspect was seen entering the 27-year-old woman’s yard at about 3:00h on Sunday, and was ordered by the victim’s brother to leave the premises, because of the abuse his sister had suffered at the hands of this suspect.

This brother has told investigators that, short-

ly thereafter, he heard screams, and went to his sister’s aid. He thus discovered her with a stab wound to her left side breast; and upon inspection, he also discovered that three louvre panes had been removed from a window. It is believed that the suspect gained entry into the house by removing the louvre panes. After committing this act, the suspect reportedly departed through a back door, which was discovered open.

It is believed that the suspect and the victim were engaged in an argument when the victim was attacked and

Murdered on Sunday: Shamaine Frank

fatally stabbed.

The injured woman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect, meanwhile, has since gone into hiding. He works in the hinterland, and investigators believe he might be heading there.

Guyana Times understands that Frank and the

suspect had been together for quite some time, during which she had constantly been subjected to abuse; but, for the sake of her three children, she had repeatedly forgiven him for abusing her.

The couple had recently rented an apartment at Mon Repos, ECD, but because the abuse had continued, Frank had returned to the home she had shared with her siblings.

This, Guyana Times was told, had an impact on the children, and the Welfare Department of the Social Protection Ministry had been called in. The couple had been instructed to seek counselling in order to reconcile their relationship, but the abuse had continued.

Spousal murders

This is the second spousal murder committed within one week. Just a few days ago, 44-year-old Vinetta Headley-James, a late

clothes vendor and mother of eight, was attacked and stabbed to death at Nabaclis, ECD by her husband, who had accused her of infidelity.

It has been reported that, two Sundays ago, the now dead woman was attacked by her husband and stabbed to the face and neck, but had managed to escape with her life.

On Wednesday last, he returned to the home but, to his dismay, found his wife in the process of putting his belongings out of the house.

He reportedly had requested that the woman cease putting his belongings out of the home, but the woman had continued so doing.

This allegedly angered the suspect, who reportedly armed himself with a knife from the kitchen and attacked his wife, fatally wounding her to the neck.

Rushed to the Nabaclis Hospital, she succumbed while receiving treatment.

Murdered on Wednesday last: Vinetta Headley-James

The suspect was later discovered lying in a clump of bushes close to the house with a self-inflicted stab wound to his neck. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was treated and later handed over to the Police.

He is yet to be charged for the murder.

Vergenoegen man critical after chopping

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revor Scott of Lot 69 Vergenoegen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) is now battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was chopped during an argument over alcohol on Saturday evening.

Based on reports received, the 45-year-old Scott

and the suspect were imbibing at a shop at Vergenoegen when an argument broke out over money spent for alcohol. As the argument escalated, Scott reportedly left the shop and went in the direction of his home, but as he approached his house, the suspect reportedly attacked him from behind with a cut-

lass, and dealt him several chops to his back.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that Scott immediately felt to the ground, and the suspect discarded the cutlass and ran away from the scene.

Scott was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, from where he

was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention. His condition is listed as critical but stable.

The suspect, another resident of Vergenoegen, is presently being sought by the Police as investigation into this incident continues.

news

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Monday, August 26 – 01:00h and 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, August 27 – 02:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, August 26 – 13:15h – 14:45h and Tuesday, August 27 – 14:15h – 15:45h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions will prevail throughout the day. Thundery showers are expected in the early evening hours followed by clear skies.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.25 metres.

Low Tide: 06:32h and 19:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.88 metre and 0.97 metre.

saturday, AUGUST 24, 2019

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Mid-Year Report shows

Guyana spent billions more on imports than it earned from exports – import duties main driver behind increased customs, trade tax collection – no rice exports to Cuba, Mexico despite Govt touting markets

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xports are one of the main, sustainable revenue streams for any country and as such, a well-managed and productive economy will have earnings from exports exceeding expenditure on imports.

But in Guyana, the reverse is true.

According to the recently-released Finance Ministry Mid-Year Report, the merchandise trade account deficit almost doubled over the past year, going from US$329.3 million in 2018 to US$628 million this year.

The Report notes that this is because total imports increased by 31.6 per cent to US$1.371 billion. On the other hand, revenue earned from exports was US$743.8 million. A breakdown shows that imports of intermediate and capital goods showed increases.

“Imports of intermediate goods expanded by US$170.4 million to US$706 million, driven largely by other intermediate goods, chemicals, parts and accessories imported growing significantly on account of oil and gas activities,” the Report states.

“There was marginal growth of 1.1 per cent, or US$2.6 million, in the imports of fuel and lubricants.

Imported capital goods increased substantially, by US$155.2 million to US$423 million, primarily attributed to a substantial expansion in mining machinery, again, supported by oil and gas activity.”

Expenditure on consumption goods, which include food and electronics, grew by US$2.2 million to reach US$236.8 million. The Report attributes this to an increase in the importation of perishable and semi- perishable items.

The increased expenditure on imports even had a noticeable effect on tax collection, with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) recording customs and trade tax collections increasing to $10.6 billion for the first half of 2019. Import duties, according to the Report, were responsible for 98 per cent of the increase.

“Customs and trade tax collections grew by $0.7 billion, to $10.6 billion, during the first half of 2019, when compared with the same period in 2018. Import duties accounted for 98.1 per cent of the increased collections,” the Report states.

“This was due to the increased collection of duties from commodity imports, especially lubricating oils and petroleum bitumen. There

The report shows decreased earnings from the rice industry

was also growth in the environmental levy by $78.5 million, or 8.8 per cent, above the period January to June 2018.”

Exports

In October of last year, the Foreign Affairs Ministry had released a statement in which Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, had touted the Cuban market and exports of commodities such as rice. According to Majeed, the amount of rice exported in 2018 had more than quadrupled when compared to the previous year.

“In 2017, we sold 15,500 tonnes of rice to Cuba; this year, so far, we sold more than 70, 000 tonnes. Our target is to see whether we can export up to 125,000 tonnes by the end of this year,” Majeed revealed in the statement, labelling

the growth as a “significant breakthrough” for Guyanese rice.

Mexico is another market that was touted by the Government as a promising destination for Guyana’s rice. In fact, Government had announced in May of last year that paddy exports to Mexico were at 174,875 tonnes.

The Mid-Year Report tells a different story, however. Not only have rice exports declined, but there have been no exports to either country. In fact, markets such as the European Union (EU) accounted for much of the earnings.

“Receipts from rice exports declined by US$9.9 million this year; while there were higher earnings from exports to the EU and Venezuela, there were no exports to the Cuban and

Mexican markets in 2019,” the Report adds.

When it comes to other exports, the Report notes that the biggest contributors of revenue were gold, sugar, fish and fish by-products.

According to the Report, earnings from gold increased by US$41.5 million, while fish and fish by-product earnings increased by US$3.4 million. On the other hand, revenue from sugar increased by $1.8 million.

“Noteworthy, gold exports by “other dealers” accounted for 52.2 per cent of the US$411.2 million earned from the export of this metal in the first half of 2019.

Other dealers accounted for 44.9 per cent of gold exports for the same period in 2018,” the Report says.

The Bank of Guyana’s recently-released first-quarter statistical bulletin had showed that nearly all of the major sectors declined. For instance, sugar experienced a major decline of 34.3 per cent, owing to the restructuring process the Guyana Sugar Corporation is undergoing.

On the other hand, the decline of rice by 9.3 per cent was attributed to the rice bug infestation and the increased costs of production. The mining and quarrying sectors exhibited lower production. According to the bulletin, there was a 4.9 per cent decline in gold declarations.

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monday, august 26, 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

Increasing Police diversity

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arlier this year, Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Williams, responsible for the Force’s administration, which encompasses recruitment, revealed that the GPF was actively working with Toshaos from various hinterland communities to help identify appropriate indigenous persons to join the GPF. This is very commendable, since, as DCP Williams said, this will add to the diversity of the Force.

While statistics on the Force’s ethnic composition are not made available, the optics on the 244 recruits as of May 2019 do not suggest that the recommendations of the Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC), as far as “ethnic diversity” is concerned, were being implemented. Especially since the latter had specified measures to increase the number of Indian Guyanese in the GPF. The DFC, of which now President David Granger was a member, conducted hearings in 2003 and submitted its 164 recommendations to Parliament in 2004; Seventy-one recommendations concerned the Guyana Police Force. The Commission recommended, with regard to manpower, that the Police Force should aim at achieving greater ethnic diversity without employing a quota system. To achieve this, ethnically diverse recruitment teams should be employed as openly and extensively as possible.

The Recommendations were finally approved by a Select Parliamentary Committee in 2010. Two new Police Training Centres had been opened in the meantime: in Berbice and Essequibo, as recommended, but the initiative on Indigenous Peoples is the first on the diversity front.

While, just before Independence, the PPP had strenuously argued for the GPF to be made more ethnically diverse; after the free and fair elections of 1992, they attempted no rectification of the historically enforced imbalances. Subsequent to the post-1997 elections’ ethnic violence, constitutional changes following the Herdmanston Accord were introduced in 2000, and one clause called for a Commission to enquire into, among other things, “the composition” of the entire Disciplined Forces, which includes the GPF. The changes mandated by the DSC in 2010 were constitutionally sanctioned, and there ought to be reasons why they are evidently being ignored.

The British had insisted, as part of the conditions for granting Independence to Guyana under the PNC, that the latter rectify the imbalance in the armed forces, including the GPF, as identified by the PPP. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), invited by the PNC in 1965 to investigate the ethnic imbalances in the state sector and to offer recommendations towards their rectification, declared that in the GPF, Indian Guyanese comprised 20.7%, compared with 71.9% African Guyanese.

They recommended that the Police Force should reflect, to a greater degree, the composition of the population.

More specifically, that 75% of recruits and cadets for the next five years be Indian-Guyanese, until the goal was reached.

The PNC accepted the recommendations of the Commission, and claimed that the very next year, 76 of 102 Police recruits were Indians. However, Prof. K. Danns, in his doctoral thesis on the Guyanese armed forces (Domination and Power in Guyana), claimed that the PNC ceased to make statistics available after 1966, but that data collected by him showed that the Government did not implement the ICJ’s recommendations, and actually decreased the number and percentage of Indians accepted. He showed that between 1970 and 1977, while the size of the Force was being doubled, 92.2% of recruits were Africans, with only 7.84% being Indians.

Their numbers dropped to less than ten percent of the GPF. After over a hundred years of being excluded from the GPF, first by the British then by the PNC, Indians had internalised the myth that they were ‘not fit’ to be Policemen. Some of the few who bucked the tide were peripheralised. Indians who were accepted after the 1970s were placed in the Special Branch, (plain clothes) and posted to Indian villages to spy on their fellow Indians. This policy created further distrust of the Police Force among Indians.

Now that the GPF has initiated its push for diversity in the Indigenous communities, as per the recommendations of the DFC, they should finally rectify the historical anomaly in the Indian Guyanese community.

This Greenpeace Brazil photo shows the effects of the devastating fire that has consumed parts of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.

The fire has had dire consequences on the forests and the ways of life of Indigenous peoples and traditional communities of that country (Greenpeace Brazil photo)

G7 nations close to agreement on tackling Amazon fires – Macron

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rench President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday the leaders of the world’s major industrialised nations were close to an agreement on how to help fight the Amazon forest fires and try to repair the devastation.

“There’s a real convergence to say: ‘let’s all agree to help those countries hit by these fires’,” he told reporters in Biarritz, which is hosting the annual summit of leaders from the Group of Seven nations.

He said the G7 countries comprising the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Britain and Canada, were finalising a possible deal on “technical and financial help”.

Macron shunted the Amazon fires to the top of the summit agenda after declaring them a global emergen-

A tract of the Amazon burns

cy, and kicked off discussions about the disaster at a welcome dinner for fellow leaders on Saturday.

A European Union (EU) official, who declined to be named, said the G7 leaders had agreed to do everything they could to help tackle the fires, giving Macron a man-

date to contact all the countries in the Amazon region to see what was needed.

“It was the easiest part of the talks,” the official said.

A record number of fires are ravaging the rainforest, many of them in Brazil, drawing international concern because of the Amazon’s

importance to the global environment.

Macron last week accused Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s Government of not doing enough to protect the area and of lying about its environmental commitments.

Macron said on Sunday world powers needed to be ready to help with reforestation, but acknowledged there were different views over this aspect, without going into details.

“There are several sensitivities which were raised around the table because all of that also depends on the Amazon countries,” he said, adding that the world’s biggest rainforest was vital to the future of the planet.

“While respecting sovereignty, we must have a goal of reforestation and we must help each country to develop economically,” he said. (Reuters)

Ex-Minister: Bolsonaro “most detested” leader as he neglects the Amazon

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air Bolsonaro’s neglect of the Amazon has made him “the most despised and detested leader” on earth, Brazil’s former Environment Minister has claimed, as the far-right leader again rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron for challenging his environmental record.

Rubens Ricupero warned Bolsonaro was wreaking havoc on both Brazil’s environment and its global standing, as Bolsonaro used Facebook to scold Macron’s “inappropriate and gratuitous attacks” over the Amazon fires and insult France’s First Lady.

“These people are lunatics,” Ricupero said of Bolsonaro’s Administration in an interview with the Guardian.

“In my opinion, he has turned himself into the most despised and detested leader in the world. I can’t see anyone else – not even Duterte in the Philippines … not Trump,

not anyone – who today provokes so much anger.”

“Never, in more than 50 years of our history, has there been a disaster involving Brazil’s image and the perception of Brazil so serious and probably so irremediable as this one,” added Ricupero, who was also Brazil’s Finance Minister and Ambassador to the United States.

“Even in the military period – when Brazil had a negative image above all because of human rights, torture and disappearances – what went on here never drew so much attention as now.”

On Friday, amid a barrage of domestic and international censure, Bolsonaro ordered Brazilian troops to the Amazon to help contain the conflagration and professed “profound love” for a region environmentalists accuse him of helping destroy.

But Bolsonaro has continued to dismiss the crisis as a

campaign of “fake news” and “disinformation” designed to discredit his government.

“We are doing what we can,” the rightwing populist told reporters in the capital, Brasília, on Saturday. “The Amazon is bigger than the whole of Europe. Even if I had 10 million people I wouldn’t be able to prevent [these fires].”

At the G7 summit, Macron is pushing for world powers to help put out the fires and fund reforestation and management projects in the Amazon.

Ricupero, Brazil’s minister for the environment and the Amazon in the early 1990s, admitted fighting illegal deforestation was a massive task in a sprawling region where the government’s presence was limited and environmental criminals often armed and dangerous.

“It’s a wild west like in the American films,” Ricupero said of the Amazon. “[It’s not like] Sussex or East Anglia …

Even in the best circumstances – even when a government is determined to enforce the law – it is an uphill struggle.”

But Ricupero accused Bolsonaro’s Government of simply “folding its arms” when it came to protecting the Amazon, giving criminals a carte blanche to destroy by undermining Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama. “[Bolsonaro] has the same mentality as the military rulers in the 1970s: that the Amazon should be colonised and become soy plantations and cattle ranches,” Ricupero said.

“In the 1970s the government had a slogan: ‘Amazonia will be colonized by hooves of cows’. They never accepted the idea that the Amazon had to be preserved. They see no reason for the forest not to be chopped down and replaced with agriculture and mining.

This is his [Bolsonaro’s] mindset.” (Excerpt from the Guardian)

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monday, august 26, 2019

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

Protect my right to vote How David Dear Editor, In Saturday’s edition of the Stabroek News, I observed an article that deeply troubled me to my core: “AG appeals CJ’s ruling on existing registrants.” I am by no means any legal expert, but please allow me to explain why, if the Attorney General’s appeal is successful, my democratic right would then be deeply violated.

After Chief Justice Roxane George ruled, the AG claimed success; now he is attempting to partially appeal the ruling.

He is challenging her declaration that existing registrants cannot be removed from the database. The AG is attempting to get a ruling that allows GECOM to scrap the database that had been in existence for over a decade and used it multiple elections (without a complaint from any political parties).

From my understanding, he is trying to impose residency as a requirement to be registered. At the time of my registration, I was residing in Guyana. Anyone registering would have been residing, or physically present, in the country, as that is how one would go to GECOM

and register. It seems as if the AG is also trying to impose this as a right to be on the database. So every time one exits Guyana, GECOM will delete them. In that case, GECOM should set up shop at the airport; when we leave, delete; and register us back when we land.

The law itself doesn’t seem to support these claims. In Article 159 (qualification and disqualification for electors) of the Guyana Constitution, section 2 deals with how one qualifies, (a) states a citizen of Guyana and (c) “satisfies such other qualifications as may be prescribed by or under any law.” The AG is attempting to force the court to legislate residency into my right to vote.

I would like to point out that in the Constitution of Guyana, there is a section (31) that speaks to the protection of citizens’ rights abroad. “It is the duty of the State to protect the just rights and interests of citizens’ resident abroad.”

Isn’t my right to vote something worth protecting?

The Chief Justice said: “The right to register to vote and the right to vote

are sacrosanct and fundamental. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Guyana has acceded, establishes the right to vote as a matter of international human rights law, and provides that every citizen has a right to vote.”

ICCPR was adopted and opened for signature, ratification, and accession by the General Assembly (resolution 2200A(XXI)) on December 16th, 1966. The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights has the right to vote under Article 25.

I have combed through the Constitution of Guyana, the Peoples Representation Act, and the National Registration Act, and editor, I am still trying to see how the Attorney General can rationally think to delete the database is in our law books.

I hope the Appellate Court protects my right to vote and uphold the Chief Justice’s ruling.

Respectfully, Nutana Singh

David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis: 2 peas in the same pod Dear Editor, Dr Chia Thye Poh, a former political prisoner from Singapore, is credited with the following quotation: “A hypocrite is more dangerous than a dishonest man. A dishonest man deceives and cheats, and a hypocrite betrays and swindles.”

While there are many who fit this description, two immediately come to mind: David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis.

At a time when Government’s public policy is to promote social cohesion, these so-called African Rights Activists give the impression of fighting for Guyanese of African descent, when collectively they have done very little to improve the wellbeing of ordinary AfroGuyanese. Instead, they are more interested in self-gratification, using ‘black’ people to benefit themselves.

Now, to secure their own interest, they will do and say anything to prolong the life of this caretaker Government, which is known for pilfering the resources of our country and employing frivolous legal challenges to delay the holding of elections.

It is a pathetic David Hinds who, in an effort to showcase his party’s relevance, now dances to the African drums of the PNC/APNU as he readily admits to planning a series of community meetings in Buxton and other PNC strongholds to win back disaffected Coalition voters.

Of course the five members of the WPA must all be aware that they are being used by the PNC/APNU to campaign in areas where the APNU is no longer welcome or have support. I have no doubt that David Hinds is being compensated or facilitated with taxpayers’ money for his services. Walter Rodney must be turning over in his grave by this betrayal.

Lincoln Lewis, on the other hand, cunningly uses his position as a popular

trade unionist to try to influence other disaffected Coalition voters, giving them the impression that it is the Opposition Leader who is being unreasonable by demanding that the President and the Attorney General respect our Constitution.

In his usual diatribe in Kaieteur News (August 25, 2019), Lewis accused the PPP/C of neglecting to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

“The refusal of the Leader of the Opposition to return to parliament is an abrogation of constitutional responsibility, highlighting a shortcoming in his leadership as the nation’s second highest political office holder. His promises on behalf of the PPP, when he has the constitutional authority to work and ensure these are realised, must see us holding him to account. The PPP’s Members of Parliament (MPs), together with the Coalition’s MPs, must return to the National Assembly and legislate the promises now”, Lewis contends.

Lewis’s arguments are totally fallacious. First of all, it is the Government that summons a sitting of Parliament, the Opposition does not have the power to do so.

Secondly, when Parliament was illegally called into session on May 23, five months after the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM), Government did not invite the Opposition to extend its life by seeking a two-thirds majority, but instead approved a $7.9 billion supplementary appropriation, which included $3.5 billion in funding for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), $2 billion in funding for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and $1.5 billion for the Ministry of Communities; as well as several hundreds of millions in funding for the Ministries of Finance, Social Cohesion, Social Protection and National Security.

In short, Government used Parliament for an assault on the Treasury, to draw down additional funds to support their shameless political campaign, disguised as “ministerial outreach”.

The truth is: Lincoln Lewis is nothing more than a stooge for the PNC/ APNU; employed to do their dirty work; trying to divert the blame from David Granger, the man who continues to disrespect and ignore our Constitution, by blaming it all on the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Lewis is worse than an apologist; who now deflects Granger’s constitutional responsibility as the only person under the constitution with the power to resign Cabinet, dissolve Parliament, and name a date for election; none of which he has done.

The CCJ ruled that Charrandas Persaud exercised his constitutional rights and freedom of conscience when he voted in favour of the NCM, but the authoritarians and dictators see that as treacherous.

Throughout the world, whenever an NCM is passed successfully, it means that someone from the other side voted for it. In no part of the world is that person described as treacherous and a traitor, except in Guyana.

Unlike the Attorney General, who often does not realise how idiotic he sounds, Lincoln Lewis usually commands the respect of his peers. But no matter which way he twists and turns the facts, Lewis cannot refashion the Constitution to suit his purpose -- which is to ignore Granger’s violations. His efforts to denigrate the Leader of the Opposition speak volumes of his allegiance and the way he has always seen things: through his ethnic eyes!

Dear Editor, I have been following this ongoing saga with the Giftland Mall and GPL power supply, and it appears that Minister Patterson and GPL Chairman Lucas do not want to purchase power from the Giftland Mall.

Mr. Beepat (Chairman of the Giftland Group) has stated that his supply cost is cheaper than what is being produced by GPL’s diesel engines, and had offered power at a competitive price to GPL; in other articles, the CEO of GPL has stated that lines have already been installed, and GPL

is awaiting connection. Therefore, I can presume that the interconnection is not an issue.

I actually met an engineer from Manitoba Power Company last year, who informed me that this was a viable option and it was being implemented, and that many man hours have been spent on ironing out the details. This leads me to conclude that there is no political will by this Government to purchase power, and the residents of the East Coast of Demerara be damned and must continue to suffer with the constant

blackouts.

Further, I was at Giftland Mall last night, and was thinking that this was the largest and most significant social and commercial development project in our history. It has brought joy and convenience to all Guyanese and visitors. Has our President ever visited the Giftland Mall in the four years that it has been opened?

Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament

Giftland Mall and GPL

Regards, Kumar Diodat Industry, East Coast Demerara

Granger-led administration lost US$65M in investment Dear Editor, It is with great pleasure that I come to you from Florida. I’m a Guyanese by birth and a proud Lindener. I’ve been living in the U.S. for just over 25 years. Like any other bold and shrewd businessman, I’ve managed to make a name for myself. Today, my business of steel and welding fabrications is operating in six states throughout the US. My other venture, which is that of construction, is also rapidly proliferating in my home state.

A few weeks ago, at a social event, I ran into a good friend, who also happens to be Guyanese. He is in the business of selling and distributing heavy-duty construction equipment. Like any other like-minded Guyanese businessmen, our conversation was centred on the future prospect of our economy (thanks to oil, this is now a common topic among businessmen).

One thing we discussed is the construction sector. There is no doubt that, given the network of deplorable roads in Guyana, investment in public infrastructure by the next Government would likely reach an unprecedented level.

In fact, I think sometime last year, the Minister of Communities mentioned that the Central Housing and Planning Authority would need an additional $58 billion to fully pave all the roads in existing housing schemes. And note, this is just the housing sector. We are yet to include the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, EBD to ECD road linkage etc.

To make things even better, we have an abundance of labour readily available. Based on reports by the media, Venezuelans are almost everywhere, and are eager to find jobs. Economically, this is good.

Because of the large supply of labour, an increase in demand would have a mild effect on wages; meaning the Government could invest heavily without the fear of stoking inflation. By keeping inflation in check, the economy wouldn’t run the risk of overheating, which is great news for investors.

Another area we looked at is how the oil windfall might affect the current investment climate in Guyana. And here is where the discussion gets quite interesting.

For any production to take place, we need land, labour, and capital.

Guyana naturally is well endowed with an abundance of fertile land, and it is ubiquitous. And labour is also omnipresent. According to reports, over 30,000 sugar workers lost their jobs, and currently, there is an influx of immigrants (Venezuelans and other nationalities). So the only problem is capital. To get this, we need investors; preferably foreign investors. At the macro level, there is no such thing as too much private investment. On the other hand, too much Government spending could crowd out private investment.

The question now becomes this: As potential investors, should we invest? The short answer to this is a resounding NO! It’s simply ludicrous. And I’m sure hundreds

of other foreign investors would share our view. First, political instability is any investor’s greatest nightmare. And in Guyana, the country is currently in political turmoil. However, what is quite interesting about this specific “political turmoil” is that it is self-induced by the Government itself. When you have a Government like the one failing blatantly to uphold the constitution of the land, like the David Granger-led administration, such gesture sends a noxious signal to investors. It tells us that that Government cannot be trusted.

And lo and behold, we have already seen signs of such unscrupulous behaviour. Take, for example, the encounter with DIPCON. It is now public knowledge that the Minister of Finance singlehandedly blocked payments to DIPCON engineering company, a contracting firm, to the tune of billions of Guyana dollars. DIPCON moved to the courts, and the Minister was subsequently ordered to “pay up or face jail”. However, neither of the two materialised. The President instead intervened and issued a Grant of Respite in relation to the judgment, and the Minister walked free. Hence we remain resolute that it would be insane on our part to invest our hard-earned savings into a country where the Constitution is trampled upon by the Government.

The second major issue is the weak macroeconomic framework.

Without a proper economic plan, our investment would be easily crowded out, or even obliterated due to the Dutch disease. There is ample empirical evidence that points to the positive correlation between appreciation of exchange rate and dwindling manufacturing sector. In Guyana, I doubt it would be any different.

Now, could the same be said for the PPP? I guess not! By all means, Irfaan Ali’s record as a statesman speaks for itself: he epitomises progress with the transformational housing drive that unfolded under his tenure as Housing Minister. I could recall a visit to Guyana in 2012, two years after my last trip.

I was astounded by the massive level of development that was taking place under the housing sector.

Banks, fast-food outlets, supermarkets, malls were all scattered along the East Bank.

Clearly, Guyana is in dire need of a leader of his caliber, and I say this with no reservation whatsoever. Until a competent leader like Irfaan is in office, Guyana will never see our investment and countless others. The fact is, we have no confidence in the Granger-led Government. Their incompetence and backwardness are overwhelming. So, thanks to them, Guyana just lost over US$65 million in investment. And that is a conservative number.

And remember: “manufacturing is the engine of growth”, not Government. Oil will come and go, but factories will remain. My advice is: get Granger out! He is not good for business.

Thank you Quincy Philips

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monday, august 26, 2019

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Foundation

Family money troubles

D

evon, 17, is used to paying her own cellphone and car expenses. But lately it's been harder. The family she babysits for hasn't been calling as much and she couldn't find a job over the summer.

Devon's dad says it's a sign of the tough economy. He told her he's feeling the pinch, too, and that he had to dip into her college fund to pay the mortgage.

find, but a slow economy can open up new opportunities. The couple you babysit for might cut back on evenings out, but they could be interested in hiring you for after-school care. Perhaps it's time to hold a yard sale to get rid of the old toys and baby gear – or help your par-

might have the latest smartphones, video games, and basketball shoes, but others may be having a tougher time than you. You might not be able to get everything you want, but now is a chance to see if you can master the art of patience without envying friends or feeling negative

How money problems can affect families

For some people, an economic slowdown means eating out less or staying home instead of going on vacation.

Parents may not have as much money to put toward allowances or college funds.

For other families, though, money problems mean bigger changes, such as a parent taking on a second job or the family having to move to a less expensive house.

When a family has money worries, it's easy to get frustrated and upset – and if you feel that way, you're far from alone. Parents also might be more stressed out than usual. They might argue more and worry about how to pay for things.

Naturally, this can put extra stress on you, too, especially because parents' money problems aren't something you have any control over. But although you can't solve family money troubles, you may find that contributing in some way helps you feel better.

What can you do to make things easier?

It's comforting when our lives and routines feel the same, so it's natural to feel worried if things change.

Here are some practical and emotional survival tips for dealing with money troubles: Think like an entrepreneur. Jobs may be hard to

ents sell these items online.

If you're good at navigating online auction sites, you could charge people a fee to sell their old stuff.

Prioritise and plan for what you want. When you want something, write it down. Next to it, write how much you want it on a scale of 1-10. Keep this list going (items may move up or down the scale as you add new ones). Then figure out a plan to earn any must-have rewards.

Talk out troubles. If you're worried, find a good time and talk to your parents about it. Let them know you can handle the truth. If your parents are fighting, seem stressed, or are sad or angry all the time, talking can really help. If you can't talk to your parents right now, lean on a friend, teacher, or counsellor.

Practise the art of patience. Some of your friends

about your parents.

Focus on the positive.

Writing down (or drawing) your frustrations in a journal can be a big step toward dealing with them. But also try to write down three things that you are grateful for each day (or illustrate or write songs if you're more of an artist or composer).

Help your friends. What if a friend is in a really tight spot? Even if you can't think how to help, try just listening: Tell your friend you know it must be hard and that you'll be there for support no matter what. Most friends welcome the chance just to talk through feelings and know that someone understands.

Deal with change, but don't burden yourself. It's good to step in to help friends and family. But it's also good to remind yourself that you're still young and family money troubles are beyond

your control.

Finding entertainment on the cheap

Being creative helps you feel good about yourself at times when life isn't going as you planned. And coming up with free ways to have fun gives your creativity a chance to shine.

Some ways to stay entertained are obvious: Go to the park, ride a bike, volunteer, or cook dinner for your friends or family. But why stop there? Think of this as a time to challenge your imagination: Record some music. If you have a computer and microphone, all you need is your talent.

Have a karaoke party.

The worse the singing, the better the fun.

Redecorate your room without spending a dime.

Use only stuff you have around the house or found items like shells or old furniture. Discover new uses for old things, like making pillows and lampshades out of old dresses.

Learn a new language.

Borrow a teach-yourself book or CD from the library.

Design your own clothes or jewellery. Check out thrift stores for clothing you can cut up and customise, or use found items to make jewellery.

Plan a surprise picnic for your friends. Do the whole blanket and picnic basket bit, then find a park or beach and take in the view (and the people watching).

Become a caricature artist. If you're good at art, teach yourself how to draw caricatures. Practise on your family, then when you get better, rent yourself out for children's parties.

Host movie night. Get your friends to bring popcorn, pick an upbeat or funny movie, and enjoy! (Excerpt from

T

he Vikings fought using long swords and axes. They used a round, wooden shield for protection. On their heads, they wore helmets made of leather or iron.

You will need

• Several pieces of thin card • Paper • Ruler • Pencil • Scissors • Masking tape (so you can paint over it) • Paints and coloured pens • Silver foil

kidshealth.org)

Make a head band

1. Take a measuring tape and measure the size of your head. You might need an adult to help with this.

2. Now measure a strip of card the same size as your head and 5cm wide. If you don’t have a large enough piece of card, stick two together. Cut the strip out.

3. Take your strip of card and bend it round to create a circle. Check it fits on your head and then secure the ends with masking tape to create a head band.

Build the helmet shape

1. Now cut out four strips of card 30cm long and 4cm wide. Bend one strip of card across the head band and attach on both sides. Do the same with another strip to form a cross over the head band.

2. Add the next two strips of card in the same way to form a star. 3. Now you need to fill in the gaps. Take some paper and cut shapes roughly the size of the curved triangular gaps in your helmet. Stick the shapes on to the helmet from the inside with masking tape.

Add the helmet details

1. Viking helmets often included a nose guard. Measure a strip of card about 3cm wide and whatever the length of your nose is! Some nose guards had points at the end and some had a flat end. Draw the shape you want at the bottom of the card and cut it out. Attach it to the front of your helmet with masking tape.

2. Paint the helmet in shades of grey. To add detail, decorate it with rivets – you could make these from silver foil. (bbc.co.uk/handsonhistory)

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramjattan greeted with protest at Corriverton public meeting – tells residents closure of estate was right decision

P

ublic Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Alliance for Change, was on Saturday again greeted by protesting supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic during a public meeting at Corriverton, Upper Corentyne, Region Six. It was evident that the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the Coalition Government at the next regional and national elections had avoided intermingling with supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) during the meeting.

The protesters accused Ramjattan of betraying sugar workers by collud-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and party members at the meeting on Saturday

ing to close the sugar estates, and bombarded him for the street lights that the APNU/AFC Government

had promised to install at Corriverton. They also accused him of turning a blind eye on the upsurge in crime.

Ogle-Diamond Bypass Road

ESIA report to be sent to EPA for approval

I

ndia-based consultant RITES Limited, which is working on the much-anticipated East Coast/East Bank Demerara Bypass Road, will soon be submitting the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval.

This is according to Technical Services Manager attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nigel Erskine. He told Guyana Times that the ESIA proposal has been completed and the consultants would be submitting same in the coming days.

Erskine explained that once the report was submitted, the EPA would then

kick start the approval process which would allow the public a 60-day window to examine the document.

“After that, based on the feedback they get from the public within those 60 days, the EPA would incorporate it and give approval…,” the engineer stated.

Back in 2016, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had signed a US$50 million loan with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India for the construction of the bypass road, which will provide an alternative route connecting the East Coast of Demerara at Ogle to the East Bank at Diamond.

The preliminary cost of the project was pegged at US$104 million. However,

Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Technical Services Manager Nigel Erskine

when he presented the 2019 budget last year, the Finance Minister revealed that the projected cost has spiked to some US$120 million and as such, Guyana will either have to approach its bilateral partner for more funds or just await revenues from the nascent oil and gas sector. turn to page 14

There were also placards that indicated to the minister that the tears of sugar workers were falling on him, and there were placards demanding the $10,000 cash grant.

Ramjattan, however, lashed out at the protestors and at Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for not understanding the ruling of the Chief Justice on the houseto-house registration case.

A public announcement had stated that Ramjattan, Parliamentarian Reynard Ward, and Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive member Dereck Basdeo were among those slated to speak at this public meeting.

There was no mention of top APNU officials being slated to speak, although that faction of the Coalition had won seats on the Council.

Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) representative Barbra Pilgrim was reportedly not notified of the public meeting.

The public service announcement (PSA) had also stated that issues regarding street lights, road repairs, crime, and other concerns of Corriverton residents were going to be addressed by the Minister.

During this meeting, Basdeo accused the Town Council of being lazy, while Ramjattan told residents that the Coalition

Supporters of the PPP at the protest line on Saturday

Government would have established a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar estate, to determine the way forward.

“When we got into office, we (knew) that sugar was not profitable, and we decided to right-size sugar. Right-size means that you are not going to close it down, but you would close down those estates that are unprofitable, and to privatise it if it could be privatised; and that is exactly what we did,” Ramjattan stated.

The closure of the estates has left more than 20,000 people unemployed, and the sacked workers now have to turn to alternative means to support their families.

Ramjattan, however, added that the Government made the right decision to close the estates. He said

the citizenry would become filthy rich in the near future with the booming oil sector coming on stream.

At the meeting, residents asked about the street lights, but were told that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had offered 200 lights to the Municipality.

“Things in this world are not free. If you give it free you will create indiscipline, plus you will end up with bankruptcy. What the Minister told communities is that you have to pay $300 for one lamp,” Ramjattan explained. That money, he said, has to be paid to the Guyana Power and Light as monthly charges for electricity used.

“How do you get that money? You have to increase taxes by a $20 or $30”, he told the residents.

8 News

monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Manager of Fresco Supermarket cleared of attempted murder charge Promises…

T E he attempted murder charge brought against 28-yearold Xinoxi Qu of Lot 1B Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara was dismissed on Thursday

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when this accused made another appearance in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Qu was represented by Attorney-at-law George Thomas.

On his first court appearance, Xinoxi Qu, a manager of the Fresco Supermarket at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The Police contention was that, on April 28, 2019

Xinoxi Qu

at Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara, with intent to commit murder, Qu wounded Sanmoogan Gregory. It was reported that, on the day in question, Gregory had gone to the

Fresco Supermarket to purchase some items, which he paid for before leaving the store.

After leaving the supermarket, Gregory was standing on the Diamond Public Road when Qu allegedly approached from behind and dealt him several blows to his body with an object, accusing him of removing a bag of money from the store.

Sanmoogan reported the matter at the Grove Police Station, and was subsequently taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for medical care. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital(GPHC), where he was admitted for several days.

When the matter was

called on Thursday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who was conducting the preliminary inquiry (PI), she said the prosecutor needed to prove that the accused had attempted to unlawfully kill or cause bodily harm to the complainant.

The magistrate said that, throughout the trial, the prosecution did not provide evidence that the defendant had acted unlawfully. She went on to say that, in the opinion of the court, the defendant was merely trying to retrieve a bag which belonged to him. Hence, she ruled that the prosecution’s evidence, at its highest, was insufficient, and thus dismissed the matter against Xinoxi Qu.

Handyman remanded for armed robbery

H

andyman Cheddie Bacchus of Norton Street Lodge, who had been granted bail on four armed robbery charges, found himself facing an additional armed-robbery charge when he appeared on Friday before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 31-year-old plead-

ed not guilty to this new charge, which alleges that on August 8 last, at Stabroek, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Ronald Jones of a cell phone valued at $57,000.

Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels opposed bail being granted to Bacchus on ground that he has four matters of a simi-

lar nature pending before the court. The prosecutor said Bacchus was only recently released on bail when he allegedly committed this new offence.

Bacchus has thus been remanded to prison until September 23.

A few weeks ago, Bacchus had appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer

Cheddie Bacchus four robbery charges.

He was remanded to prison on his first court appearance, but was later granted bail for those offences.

…and lies ver since Walter Raleigh went up the Essequibo River in search of “El Dorado”, the city of gold, Guiana was sold as a land full of potential and opportunity.

Raleigh, of course, was tossed into the Tower of London (literally) when his promises to Queen Elizabeth (the 1st… not this one!!...she’s not THAT ancient!!) weren’t kept!!

But we did make a whole lotta Europeans rich from our Guyana gold sugar crystals, didn’t we??

For hundreds and hundreds of years, we certainly did!! African slaves toiled away while they were treated to salutary applications of the ubiquitous whip on their backs to produce that crystal gold. The Portuguese and Indians followed them to add to the wealth of Britain, but even with that, not a few of them lost their heads.

So you would think we’d be a bit leery when a fresh set of outsiders appear off our shores with “billowing sails” promising to “develop” our potential, wouldn’t you?

After all, fool me once, “shame of you”, and fool me twice “shame on me”!!

In our case, maybe we can get away by saying that the first “fooling” was hundreds of years ago, and our “foolers” had germs, guns and steel to our bows and arrows. But what’s our excuse this time, with the oil potential?

Well, actually, we can kinda appreciate that Janet Jagan pulled off a master stroke in 1999 when she inveigled Exxon and Shell to take first dibs on the possibility of oil in the deep-water Atlantic off our shores.

After all, Hugo Chavez had just been elected President of Venezuela, and was breathing fire and brimstone on our western borders. Janet’s move to allocate 600 blocks – 10 times the legal limit – is being criticised now. But hindsight’s always 20/20, isn’t it?? Who knew then they’d be so many oil geysers under our Atlantic? No one, including the PNC, said anything then. They almost tripped over themselves to congratulate her strategic move.

But what was Trotman’s excuse in 2016 when he was changing the Exxon contract from an exploration one to a production one – and oil had already been struck? One newspaper’s blaming Exxon…but what about Trotman??

A contract with a moron may be voidable, but didn’t Trotman boast that he was trained at Harvard in negotiating techniques?? They don’t accept morons, do they? So how about grilling him about those terms he offered to those Houston lawyers??

But what about the Tullow 1% royalty…when he’d already boasted he’d browbeaten Exxon to DOUBLE their 1% to 2? What strategic interest was Tullow protecting?

Trotman said he was INSTRUCTED to offer those terms. Let’s have a clue about who it was?

Is he immune from prosecution? …on Kitty Market The Kitty Market has been around for quite a while; since 1882, to be exact. And in that time, you can be sure it experienced the good, the bad and the ugly in administration. But which one can possibly beat the PNC Mayoral duo of Patricia Chase Green and her sidekick Royston King?? Their tale is one even a fiction writer wouldn’t dare conjure up? Readers would reflexively say, “Naah!! Even the three stooges couldn’t be so bad!!

In Feb 2016, the dyspeptic dup promised to completely rebuild the Kitty Market, and have it ready for the May Jubilee Bash. The 178 stalls were to be air-conditioned, since the design allowed no ventilation. And there was to be an automatic switchover generator; a refrigeration section for fish and meat; a rates and taxes centre; community hall and municipal clinic etc!! All for a mere $240 million – which the MC&CC didn’t have.

In May 2016, the date was pushed back to November

by Town Clerk Royston King, then the 1st quarter of 2017, then 2018, then 2019.

And now? Manyana!! …on sugar tourism We continue to pile up operating losses in sugar. But the Govt’s now opening the remaining 3 sugar estates to “sugar tourism”.

So we’ll now subsidise the industry for the tourists??

But couldn’t for sugar workers?

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

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local Content Policy

Half, year-end reports among measures to hold oil companies accountable – to ascertain whether locals really being hired, trained

C

oncerns have previously been expressed that oil companies’ claims of hiring locals cannot be taken at face value, but must be vetted.

According to the Department of Energy’s recently-released Local Content Policy, half-year and end-of-year reports will be among the vetting measures.

According to the policy, these reports will be standardised and delivered by the companies directly to the subject Minister. The information companies put down in these reports will be measured against what commitments for local content they made in their individual local content plans.

“The half-year and endyear reports will be used to continuously review and refine the opportunities and constraints in developing local content in Guyana and to inform how Government and industry collaborate to drive local content development,” the policy also explains.

“Notwithstanding legal constraints that may prevent disclosure of reported information on local content to parties beyond the Minister, such as contrac-

tual and commercial confidentialities and obligations to anti-trust and anti-bribery legislation, the Minister shall disclose information on local content performance sufficient for Government to be held accountable for implementing this policy and for operators to be accountable for implementation of their local content plans.”

The policy also includes formats for how these reports will be prepared. For instance, the format dealing with Guyanese who were hired or trained by operators include tables for them to provide estimates of persons they were supposed to have hired or training hours for positions ranging from senior management and professional to semi and basic skilled, versus how many were actually hired or trained.

There are also sections where the operator has to declare how many contracts it awarded to Guyanese suppliers for the preceding half year versus how many it had anticipated awarding.

In this way, the policy notes, companies can be measured by their actions.

But despite legal requirements for companies to meet

Guyana Shore Base is one of the largest employers directly connected with the local oil sector

local content expectations, the policy stops short of saying exactly how the policy will be enforced against delinquent companies who do not wish to honour their responsibilities. According to one source, a policy with no clear measures to ensure its implementation lets delinquent oil companies off the hook.

Section 36 of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act specifies that a company can only be granted a production licence

if its proposal for “employment and training of citizens of Guyana are satisfactory”.

The Act goes on to state that in order to be granted a production licence, an oil company’s proposals for procuring goods and services have to be judged as satisfactory by the relevant agency.

Last week, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) facilitated a discussion on this policy. There,

past GCCI President Deodat Indar lamented the fact that foreign companies, particularly those from the Caribbean region, are coming to Guyana and “mopping up” all of the opportunities coming out from the budding oil and gas industry.

In giving his critique, Indar had noted that while this third draft is a “step up” from the previous two, there are still a number of issues with the document. One of which, he explained, has to do with the ‘test of locality’

and the definition of local companies.

According to the former GCCI President, a local company cannot be one that is recently established, which is the case with many of what he referred to as ‘shop fronts’, that is, small companies being established with the ‘big guns’ behind them.

Indar noted that before the LOC was in the pipeline, the GCCI had drafted a policy on its own which outlined the four ‘test of locality’ components to determine a local company.

“A Guyanese company can’t be somebody just off the radar who go and register something at the High Court,” he noted.

Indar went on to say that the residency requirement of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Income Tax Act is 183 days in Guyana.

This, he noted, is archaic.

“It only deals with individuals not institutions so what you have are laws in Guyana that are draconian, and the oil and gas activity and level development is 100 years up. How you gonna work like that? Those things have to change and deal with what you have in the country,” he stressed.

CDC continues to monitor weather patterns

One of the houses in Linden that suffered roof damage

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) continues to monitor weather patterns countrywide.

The CDC noted the intense rainfall across Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) between August 23 and 24, which the Commission said was influenced by the prevailing

Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

According to the Hydrometeorological Service, the highest level of rainfall – 30.77 mm (1.21 in) – was recorded in the community of Watooka, Linden.

High winds were also experienced across the town.

On August 24, a rapid assessment team was de-

ployed. It was headed by Captain Salim October of the CDC and comprised representatives from the region and affected communities.

As a result of the excessive rainfall, flash floods occurred across the town with Mackenzie and other areas experiencing brief water accumulation. The strong winds resulted in damage to roofs and other parts of both businesses and private residences. The damaged roofs facilitated water damage of business and personal possessions.

Communities, which were most severely impacted, included West Watooka, Mackenzie Central, Blueberry Hill Squatting Area, Silver City, Silvertown, One Mile, and Victory Valley.

According to the CDC, the homes of approximate-

CDC’s Captain Salim October assessing the damage

ly 25 families were severely impacted by roof and infrastructure damage along with four businesses. Public

buildings that also suffered roof damage were the Silvertown Community Centre, Mackenzie High

School and Lichas Hall, along with a communications tower at Blueberry Hill Squatting Area which collapsed.

Over the next few days, the CDC will continue to assist those affected.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Commission is advising the public to take all necessary precautions to protect against the imminent threat of flooding. The public is also advised to remain alert and aware of the water levels and weather at all times.

Contact the CDC if you wish to report flooding in your community on (592) 226-1114, 226-8815, 2261027 or 225-5847, or contact its 24 Hours National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on (592) 623-1700 and 600-7500.

10 news

monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden to Lethem Road Project

Feasibility study for Linden to Mabura phase for December completion T he feasibility study for the construction of the 125 kilometres of road from Linden to Mabura, as well as the Kurupukari Bridge, is expected to be completed by the end of December 2019.

The much-anticipated Linden to Lethem road project is divided into two phases: Linden to Mabura Hill and Mabura to Lethem.

The United Kingdom (UK) Government is funding the first phase – Linden to Mabura including a bridge across the Essequibo River at the Kurupukari Stelling – with a $150 million grant from the £300 million Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme that was announced by former British Prime Minister David Cameron back in 2015.

In the 2019 Mid-Year Report, it was noted that the feasibility study for the Linden to Mabura road commenced in the first quarter of the year and is expected to be completed by December.

Back in May, British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn had told reporters that after the design and technical assessment, a report will be handed over to the Guyana Government with two options.

“It will be over to the Government to decide which of those (options) it wants to use the funding that we have available on,” the British diplomat had explained.

Last year, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had re-

The Kurupukari River crossing where the UK-funded bridge will be constructed

vealed that the new Kurupukari bridge, located in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) will either be a single or dual-lane fixed bridge – approximately 600 metres long.

Currently, persons travelling the LindenLethem trail have to cross the Essequibo River, at Kurupukari, on a privately-operated pontoon service. Kurupukari Village is located along the LethemGeorgetown trail, about five hours from Lethem.

In September 2015, former Prime Minister Cameron had announced the multi-million investment in vital new infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports to help drive economic growth and development across the Caribbean region. Guyana was named among nine Caribbean States to benefit from the grant.

In February of 2017, it was announced that Guyana had earmarked the first phase of the LindenLethem Road project as well as the rehabilitation of the

coastal and river infrastructure in the Georgetown area to be funded by the British Government.

The second project would cover the reconstruction of the facilities at the major river passenger and goods transport hubs at Stabroek Market and Vreed-en-Hoop on the Demerara River.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which is administering the UKCIF, has set a grant of $161 million to fund a feasibility study and designs for the rehabilitation of the stellings and according to High Commissioner Quinn, that study is ongoing and will be completed at the same time as the road study.

Meanwhile, with regard to the second phase of the project, Mabura Hill and Lethem, the Guyana Government is currently looking at its bilateral partners for funding.

In July last year, a ministerial team from Guyana visited their counterparts in neighbouring Brazil during which it was agreed that both countries will provide financial resources for the engineering and design of the Linden-Lethem road, which is often in deplorable condition as a result of heavy rainfall, causing persons traversing the trail much difficulties.

It was reported that the two countries will be working closely with the People’s Republic of China to access a $50 billion China Select Fund to complete the second phase of the critical piece of infrastructure that holds great potential in terms of integrating the two countries and improving trade between the neighbours and the Caribbean.

Back in July last year, Guyana and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, paving the way for cooperation on several infrastructural projects including the Linden to Lethem Road project.

The agreement was signed by former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun in commemoration of 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Greenidge had hinted

at the possibility of a paved Linden-Lethem Highway being financed under this initiative.

“We have been speaking to all bilateral and multilateral partners. During our discussions with the Brazilians, we did discuss and explored the possibili-

the two countries as it will bring mutual benefits and a brighter future for the two countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a significant development strategy launched by the Chinese Government with the intention of promoting economic coopera-

The Linden-Lethem trail in a deplorable condition

ty of using funding from the Latin America China Funds to fund the road. That is something very much on the cards and something we are working on,” he had indicated.

According to Ambassador Cui, the signing of the MoU marks a new and promising chapter to the bilateral relationship enjoyed by

tion among countries along the proposed Belt and Road routes. The Initiative has been designed to enhance the orderly free-flow of economic factors and the efficient allocation of resources.

It is also intended to further market integration and create a regional economic cooperation framework of benefit to all.

Businessman gives back to community S tar Party Rentals on Sunday distributed school supplies to a number of children within the Campbellville, Georgetown area, as part of its obligation to give back to the community.

This distribution exercise was definitely a timely one, given that the new academic year commences on September 2.

The children, drawn from the community of Campbellville, were outfitted with school supplies in an effort to ensure that they are ready for the academic year.

Owner of Star Party Rentals, Lennox Kush told Guyana Times that this was the start of a great initiative, since the company originated in the Campbellville com-

Trenton Griffith (manager) handing over the school supplies

munity and as such, it was happy to provide the needed assistance to the children.

“I want to see this community get better. I will

do whatever it takes to enhance this community, due to the fact I came from humble beginnings and it pleases my heart that I am fortu-

nate enough to give back,” Kush expressed.

The businessman disclosed that he plans to make this initiative an annual one, since the children are the future.

“I will ensure they will be provided with the necessities they need in helping them academically. I am pleading with the parents of the children to come forward and ask for assistance, so we can mould them into productive citizens of society.

Education is very important and with these kids, they are the future of our country and the future leaders,” he added.

Star Party Rentals was established in October 2009 and has experienced tremendous growth in Guyana’s event industry.

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Jagdeo raps Patterson on alleged corrupt practices O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is accusing the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government of “just gyaffing” when it comes to major developmental projects in the country.

His criticism was directed towards the infrastructure sector headed by Minister David Patterson.

Recently, the Public Infrastructure Minister had come in for heavy criticism from Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill, who accused him and his colleagues of making “glib statements and empty promises”.

Patterson responded the following day, defending actions and decisions made particularly as it relates to big infrastructural projects.

But according to the Opposition Leader, the Public Infrastructure Minister first needed to an-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

swer to the Guyanese people as to how the US$9000 from the Chinese Consortium ended up in his personal bank account instead of that of the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Jagdeo said that

Patterson continuously dragged along the Guyana public especially when it came to the energy sector with his most recent utterance being that a 188-megawatt natural gas powered plant would be built by

Former Business Minister, Girls + Tech founder among Small Business Council appointees

Former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

G

overnment has announced that the Small Business Council will now be headed by former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, who stepped down from his post earlier this year by virtue of being a dual citizen.

Gaskin, who is also a United Kingdom (UK) citizen, was appointed as Director of Manufacturing and Marketing within the Business Ministry with responsibility for the enforcement of standards, providing assistance to small producers and access to markets, particularly Eastern Caribbean markets.

The former Minister takes over from previous chair and Jamaican businesswoman Valerie Grant. Other members of the Council include local entrepreneur and founder of Girls + Tech, Evie Gurcharran.

Gurcharran, who also manages Java café and is a former participant in the United States sponsored Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) professional fellows programme, uses girl + tech

to get more women involved in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Meanwhile, the Council will have representatives from the Business Ministry; Finance Ministry; and the Linden, West Berbice, Essequibo and Region Three Chambers of Commerce. Also present on the council are representatives from the Bankers Association; the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED); the Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB); a youth representative and Dason Anthony.

Loans

At the ‘Micro and Small Enterprise Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable’ Project last year, it was revealed that some 199 loans and 545 grants were handed out worth over $600 million.

This was related by the Small Business Bureau (SBB) Credit Guarantee Fund Manager Gillian Edwards, during the closing ceremony of the programme.

According to her, “We were able to do loans in eight of the 10 regions … so we did a total of 199 loans of a value of $695 million… for grants, our original target was 300 grants and because we shifted funds from the intro-subsidy, which was largely unused for that, we exceeded our target and to date, because we are still disbursing some who just had part disbursement; so far, 545 grants to the value of $163 million.”

Among the 100 programmes tied into the fiveyear project were training sessions with small busi-

Local entrepreneur and founder of Girls + Tech, Evie Gurcharran

ness owners in the areas of business management, cosmetology and others.

Persons from across the 10 administrative regions benefited from the US$5 million project, with aid from the Inter-American Development Bank and several banking entities in the country.

A number of trainers, including Action Coach, also participated in giving their services to train persons in different areas.

A few beneficiaries of not only training but loans had expressed how helpful the programme was to them.

One woman who disclosed that she not only benefited from a loan but the training programme in cosmetology said, “I will say that I have benefited greatly from the programme, because I got the grant which moved me from baking in a four burner oven to having an oven now that can hold 300 chickens at one time to bake.”

A farmer had also shared that he now produced about 4000 chickens when he used to only be able to rear 300 at a time.

Government.

“You’ve heard Patterson 10 times before speaking about all of these plans for the electricity sector. They even went out to tender for a gas power plant, then they shifted it and cancelled it.

They were talking about negotiating a wind farm with one of their cronies. Then they talk about solar farm.

Nothing is moving; they’re just gaffing,” Jagdeo noted.

He went on to say that if Guyanese had believed the Minister then, the much-anticipated road to Lethem would have already been paved especially since it was announced in three Budgets, but it was only taking off this year.

“Patterson just talks about things and behind that façade of them doing something, it stinks of corruption … We should examine in his Ministry all the single-source contracts he’s been giving out. His role in the two major contracts in the GPL that we believe are corrupt,” the Opposition Leader said.

Jagdeo went on to say that there was a “long list” of such acts including the Demerara Harbour Bridge feasibility study contract that was sole-sourced to a Dutch company.

Turning his attention to the controversial Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion, the Opposition Leader said that

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

the Minister continued to make excuses without addressing the fundamental issues surrounding the project.

“Why did you alter? He keeps saying ‘we haven’t altered’, but it’s a lie. It’s altered – the airport. I believe we’re getting US$30 million based on adjustments and I believe there is corruption there too,” Jagdeo posited.

The Opposition Leader further outlined that every time the Minister got cornered or questioned about anything, he would immediately turn his attention to projects under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). “[He says] there is no feasibility study for Marriott.

How can we have an incompetent minister like this?

I can take you online and show you the feasibility study – two were done… He said there is not feasibility study for the Berbice Bridge.

“Right at this press conference I showed you the feasibility study with financial projections and all of this. The Skeldon factory – if you go online now you will see Tate and Lyle website which says that the Government of Guyana asked them to prepare the study. Yet in (Friday’s) paper, he writes there is no feasibility study for any of these things, but remember he lied in Parliament too. When [he] gets cornered and his wrongdoings are exposed, he lashes out at everything.

Even things that don’t make sense and that have been answered before,” Jagdeo said.

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

MoPH Headquarters for early 2020 opening I

n the first quarter of 2020, the Public Health Ministry is expected to commission its headquarters at Brickdam, Georgetown to facilitate all the senior officers operating out of one location.

The building is currently being constructed at Lot 1 Brickdam alongside an existing Public Health building.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence explained that works were ongoing on the first phase of the structure. “You may be aware that the Ministry of Public Health’s various departments are spread across Georgetown and so we have had conversations with the

Ministry of Finance letting them know of our concerns that we cannot flow as we are supposed to flow,” she added.

Lawrence said the work of the Ministry was usually slowed down owing to its departments being scattered across the capital city as many times persons would have to move from the offices at Lamaha Street to Camp Street or Thomas Street to Brickdam.

“We want to ensure that this is a one stop, one shop for persons … this will house basically the main offices (such as) the PS (Permanent Secretary’s) office, Finance, Planning, the Regional Health Care

The Ministry’s Headquarters being constructed at Brickdam

Services, the MCH, the Chief Nursing Officer, etcetera, CMO (Chief Medical Officer), DCMO (Deputy Chief Medical Officer) and so on,” she noted.

The Minister could not speak to the cost of the

building being constructed, since according to her the contractors would have encountered “issues”.

The Ministry’s head office was destroyed by fire back in 2009.

The Public Health

Ministry has been in the spotlight recently after encountering several difficulties relating to its buildings.

One such issue was only recently resolved with the commissioning of a $539 million drug bond in Kingston, Georgetown.

Prior to the opening of the bond last month, the Ministry was renting a bond at Sussex Street in Georgetown to house its drugs.

In fact, the State had paid out over $200 million in rental fees in just under two years. The transaction first came to light in 2016 during parliamentary consideration of financial papers, when it was discovered

that Government had entered into a contract to pay a VAT- excluded $12.5 million monthly rental for the storage of drugs and medical supplies.

It was also discovered that $25 million was already spent as a security deposit, in addition to $12.5 million in monthly rentals from August to December 2016.

The criticism that erupted led President David Granger to set up a Cabinet sub-committee to investigate the matter and make recommendations.

After much criticism and fallout, the Government said that it had stopped renting the facility in December 2018.

Damaged submarine cable to be restored shortly – Patterson

P

ublic Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has assured that the second Guyana Power and Light

(GPL) submarine cable which was damaged back in June is expected to be restored shortly.

In a brief telephone in-

terview with Guyana Times on Friday, the Minister noted that the cable was still being repaired, but two replacement cables have been laid to provide power to the affected villages.

The 13.8 kilovolt submarine cable, which rests along the Demerara River near Craig, East Bank Demerara, was dislodged by a barge sailing along the channel.

As a result of this incident, West Demerara customers from Vriesland to La Retraite were without electricity while efforts were underway to alternatively power these customers from the Vreed-en-Hoop

(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, so it’s quite an involved process. What we have done is ran two smaller cables to bring over the power.”

The alternative cables, according to him, will provide about 12 megawatts of electricity, which means most of the power is being supplied as the damaged one provided about 14MW. “We are going to bury these new ones five metres or about 20 feet below the surface and leave them there as redundancy when the main cable is repaired,” he added.

That cable was the second one which was dam-

ing of the new cable were done with the aid of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Gaico Construction Services and staff from GPL’s Project Management Department, Engineering Services, System Planning and Designs, Network Operations and System Control and Engineering Services departments.

MARAD has been given the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the cable from potential damage by oceangoing vessels.

GPL deficit

The barge involved in the incident

Substation.

Patterson explained, “The cable being repaired carries more than just power. It also has data cables in it for our SCADA

A section of the damaged cable

aged back in June. The first, which links the Vreeden-Hoop and Kingston power plants, has already been repaired.

The routing and lay-

According to the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report, the power company suffered a massive $4.2 billion deficit which was recorded at the end of June 2019.

The report added that

this was attributed to a decline in sales collection. It noted that there was a 61 per cent collection rate for Government accounts.

Actual billed sales fell below budget by three per cent. “In addition, there was reduced income from investments in treasury bills as well as from services provided by the company.

These services include new connections, reconnections, tampering charges and service investigation”.

“Total current expenditure amounted to $16.4 billion, $925 million less than the same period in 2018.

Fuel costs were $1.4 billion more than budgeted, due to payments made in January 2019 for a fuel shipment received in December 2018, as well as fuel purchased and supplied to Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI)”.

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Water woes continue for residents of WCD C

ommunities on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), including De Kinderen, Meten-Meer-Zorg and De Willem, have been without potable water for the past few weeks, and there has reportedly been no satisfactory word forthcoming from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

According to reports received, water pressure has been consistently low, creating a situation of acute discomfort and inconvenience to residents.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) had reportedly advised affected residents that the matter is

being investigated, but results of this investigation are yet to be made known.

Contacted, GWI has said no issue has been detected at the pump station suppling the affected areas. Officials reportedly believe there might have been a breakage in the water distribution network, and GWI had assured residents that a team of engineers would be assigned to investigate the situation. To date, however, the unsatisfactory situation persists.

“The water pressure has been so low that I had to loose down my pipe from the stand to get (it) to a lower height, and then I use small

A pipe without water

containers to literally place on the ground to get a little water. That’s how desperate I am…

“Doing that takes me a good 30 minutes to get a small bucket of water… It is very frustrating, and to-

day (Sunday) no water at all (has flowed). I don’t know how much more of this I can take. This is the weekend, when I need to get all of my chores done before the new week. Now all of my dirty clothes pile up, my house

is a mess…I don’t have water to do anything,” one DeKinderen resident complained.

Another DeKinderen resident had recently complained of having to purchase water in order to complete chores. According to that woman, she is currently constructing a home and, as such, the water system is the only means by which she can get water.

“I don’t have any water tanks or water barrels or anything at the moment, so I have no other means of getting water other than from the pipes. And since they aren’t working, I literally have to purchase bottled water to

shower and do dishes and so on, and that is not cheap at all! It’s a struggle,” that resident complained.

“You know how I get water right now? When the pipe come on, I does full up a barrel, because I know it don’t stay on too long…

Imagine, this is what we paying for, and GWI don’t make joke to send water bill.

Every month it reaching at your house right on time,” Victor, a Meten-Meer-Zorg resident, noted.

The affected residents are calling on GWI to quickly identify and fix the problem, so they might be relieved of this burdensome situation.

Guyana’s future depends on agri-tourism – Business Minister …as Berbice Expo and Trade Fair launched

T

he 15th Annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair was recently launched under the theme “Promoting a favourable business and investment climate”.

The four-day event, which is promoted by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), will be held at the Albion Sports Complex from September 27 to 30.

The exposition was officially launched by Business Minister Haimraj Rajkumar, who emphasised the need to push agriculture and tourism.

He admitted that the economic contributions that Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) made to the national economy were enor-

Business Rajkumar

Minister

Haimraj

mous. On this note, he added that only recently, the American Stock Exchange recognised that Guyana’s economy was one of the fastest growing in the world.

Nevertheless, he stated that the tourism sector has also been growing at a fast

rate.

“We are going in the right direction,” Rajkumar added while noting that the future of Guyana depended heavily on its agriculture and emergent oil and gas sector.

“We will continue to promote these two sectors – tourism and agriculture so in October we will be having an agri-tourism drive, where we will be sensitising persons on how they can use agri-tourism to develop themselves. Region Six has the potential and has been contributing in agricultural sector. All we have to do now is bridge the two sectors and make one big product – agri-tourism.”

The Minister added that the agri-tourism expo will

Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President Mohamed Raffik

be held with the goal of developing a green tourism sector.

“With this coming on stream, the Private Sector will play an integral role in tourism and in agriculture.

They will have to come together to plan and plot a way forward, so that all the players will be able to

have a product that persons in Guyana and those abroad can benefit from,” Rajkumar added.

He explained that over the years, Guyana has been receiving significant interest from persons wanting to invest in the country.

This can be attributed to the new-found resources in Guyana.

“So, a lot of persons will be coming to our country wherever to work industry or bringing their families to spend some time with them while in Guyana. We must be prepared. We must have the required standards so that when visitors arrive, they will be able to be accommodated up to the standards expected.”

Meanwhile, CCCC President Mohamed Raffik explained the Chamber

spent over $2 million it made from the last Expo on developmental projects in the community.

Since the Expo started 19 years ago, Raffik highlighted that 14 schools have benefited from projects undertaken by the Chamber.

“The money that we get from the Expo is spent quite a lot on community projects. Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rose Hall Town Council to develop a playfield, which is situated not far from our Chamber’s office so that children in the area could have recreational time,” Raffik explained.

The CCCC will be giving concessions to small entrepreneurs, continuing an initiative which was started two years ago.

14 News

monday, august 26, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean Nations Group launches New Amsterdam Town Week 2019

T

he Caribbean Nations Group (CNG), in collaboration with the New Amsterdam municipality, launched New Amsterdam Town Week 2019, under the theme, “Diversification is the Focus, Inclusion is the Goal, Celebration through Transformation in 2019“.

The launch was held at the Leisure Inn boardroom in New Amsterdam on August 22.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), CNG is a well-established multicultural youth group whose aim is to ensure that per-

Caribbean Nations Group (CNG) President Jevaughn Stephen along with the scholarship awardees and New Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Wainwright McIntosh

ESIA report to...

However, former Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venekatachalam Mahalingam, had told this publication back in June that his Government could come up with the additional funds, but there would have to be a formal proposal from the Guyana Government.

“There had been informal discussions between the Government of Guyana and the Indian High Commission a couple of times. I have also flagged this issue to my government and I don’t think there will a problem to get additional finances from the Government of India, be-

cause we wouldn’t want to leave the road halfway,” he stated.

Mahalingam, who wrapped up a five-year tour in Guyana in June, explained that with the oil revenues that are expected to be streaming in after oil production commences early next year offshore Guyana, getting additionally money is more likely.

In the 2019 Mid-Year Report released by the Finance Minister earlier this month, it was noted that the bypass road project has been “lagging but progress has been made in dis-

from page 7

cussions with the bilateral financing partner”.

Since the Indian Government is funding the project, it is required that contracts be awarded to companies from that country and as such, a 10-month design consultancy project was awarded to RITES Limited.

The consultants have already submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining the draft final design of the bypass road.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told the National Assembly in May that the project was turning out to be of a much

sons have access to quality entertainment through various mediums such as sports, live entertainment, concerts, outreaches, etc.

Their mandate also includes community projects that enhance the lives of persons in the respective communities as well as providing educational and social support. In keeping with its mandate, the CNG collaborates with various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); Government agencies; religious bodies and the Private Sector.

According to the Group’s President, Jevaughn Stephen, it submitted an ap-

bigger scale than previously envisioned.

“What was previously envisaged when the loan was taken was a single road linking house lot developments, (but) what has been designed and is being reviewed at the moment is a dual carriageway, which is not just for linking house lots; it is actually an additional new entry way into the city. So it’s new bypass road (design), so, therefore, it is vastly improved than what was initially perceived,” Patterson had told the Committee of Supply as he successfully sought additional funds.

The Minister requested an additional $67.41 million to cover payments for consultancy services provided by the Indian firm as well as to carry out preparatory works on the route earmarked for the new bypass road.

He explained that along the area identified for the new road link, there was a ‘swampy’ section and part of the monies sought would be injected into clearing that area.

When the final design is approved by Government,

Members of CNG

plication of interest to host New Amsterdam’s 128th Town Week celebration to the Council. The Group was further invited to present its proposal, which was then sent to the NA municipali-

ty statutory meeting, where it was approved. Stephen noted that this year’s New Amsterdam Town Week promises to be one with a difference.

the project will go to tender for a contractor, which will also be an Indian firm.

The Diamond-Ogle bypass project will see some 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares. This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara. These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

Erskine had previously explained to this newspaper that the road would be a four-lane main alignment with a 40-metre reserve in the middle. According to Erskine, Government is looking to use the reserve in the middle, sometime in the future, for a rapid rail that would run from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri to Ogle.

This was confirmed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan back in March. “[The bypass road] is being designed to cater for a rail system in the middle, so we don’t have to break up the road if want to go down a railway [system in the fu-

ture] and with the kind of resources we expect from oil and so on, a high-speed railway will become a reality of getting from Georgetown or East Coast straight to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport [CJIA],” Jordan had stated.

Furthermore, plans are also afoot for major developmental projects along the new road including housing schemes and commercial outlets. Additionally, plans are in the works to extend the road link from Diamond all the way to the CJIA. This extension will come under a second phase of the project and the design consultancy process is supposed to be undertaken sometime this year.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion for commuters on the East Bank of Demerara, which leads to the country’s main point of entry – the CJIA, the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime initiated the bypass road project to link the East Coast to East Bank and subsequently sought funding from the Indian Government before leaving office in 2015.

turn to page 15

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monday, august 26, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What measures can Government take to reduce unemployment in Guyana?

Marsha Liddell “I think they can start up programmes like regular maintenance of roads, drains, and community clean-up.

There are many unemployed people who would like an opportunity to be employed and make an honest living.”

Candy Famey “I think the Government should open more businesses and employ the unemployed and also, they can allow more foreign investors in the country with the aim of employing the citizens of Guyana and not their own workforce; hence, in that way, unemployment will decline.”

Shania Gill “One of the most important steps the Government should take to lower the unemployment rates is to offer a wider range of courses to school dropouts, especially in the hinterland regions, and in the future offer tertiary education free of cost which will encourage more children to study.”

Tanisha Petty “I was thinking that when we start benefiting from the oil money, Government can provide some avenue to finance self-owned small businesses. That’s just one way in which they can provide more employment for young Guyanese.”

Caesar McAlmont “The creation of industries – I think this is one way that Governments can curb unemployment. If we have more industries, more people would be employed. If we build industries, we wouldn’t be in so much unemployment.”

Leslyn Thompson “Something should be done to replace the sugar factories; something on an equally large scale – some factory that would be able to provide hundreds with employment.”

Shaunell Wilson “Government should equip people with tools to do business for themselves. Like bush cutters, power washing tool so that people could start up a wash bay – that’s a big thing right now – things like that for starters so that while the country is developing, people could do something for themselves in the meantime.”

Avril Samuels “Definitely more businesses. I see a lot of foreigners are investing in Guyana business wise; that is a good start. More businesses mean more employment for all.”

Aubrey Innis “One way that the Government can create employment is by building a deep-water harbour. That will create huge employment because there will be new departments opened for the Guyana Revenue Authority; there will be a need for hundreds of custom brokers and many related businesses. A simple deep-water harbour will have hundreds of persons working on the water front. It will also expand the hotel industry and more persons will get jobs. There will be need for more drivers and persons to provide services needed by persons trucking merchandise through Guyana. There will also be a need to have persons trained to provide those services and that in itself will be jobs created.”

Caribbean Nations Group...

Deputy-Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh noted that several groups had indicated their interest in hosting the 2019 town week However, the CNG proposal was in keeping with the mandate of the council. “we have decided that PublicPrivate-Partnership is the best way to go when we are talking development,” McIntosh said.

The calendar of activities kicks off on Friday 18, October with the grand opening ceremony followed by, Mayors Ball, Birding Competition, Inter-School Debating Competition, Senior Citizens Breakfast, High School Basketball Competition, All White

Cocktail Party, Male Empowerment Pageant, Domino Competitions, Soft Ball Cricket Competitions, Poetry Competition, Big People Party One Man Band, Medical Outreaches, Renaming of Streets in Stanleytown, a Street Fair and Exhibition and concludes on Sunday 3, November with Duck Curry Competition and Cooler Fete.

Also, during the launch, CNG took the opportunity to award scholarships to seven students. Five were awarded a 5-year Secondary Education Scholarship while two students were awarded Tertiary Education

from page 14

Scholarships coined by the name Esther and Edward Scholarship Program.

The five Secondary Education Scholarship awardees are Dhana George, Reshana Jonas, Ike Crawford, Diamond Alladin and Shaquan Fullerton.

While the Tertiary Education awardees are Timothy Harris and Lamar Shultz.

Among those present at the ceremony was the Regional Executive Officer Kim Williams-Stephen, Mayor of New Amsterdam Winnifred Haywood, Members of the Private Sector and Director of Sports Christopher Jones.

Beverly Fanck “I think the Government can open up industries and give persons a small salary but make them work for a commission so that they will want to produce. That is what I think.”

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, august 25, 2019

Regional

Warplanes dump water on Amazon as Mexican Journalist Brazil military begins fighting fires found dead at home,

B

razilian warplanes are dumping water on the burning forest in the Amazon state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

As of Sunday, President Jair Bolsonaro had authorised military operations in seven states to combat raging fires in the Amazon, responding to requests for assistance from their local governments, a spokeswoman for his office said.

Reuters accompanied a firefighting brigade near the state capital of Porto Velho, where there were areas larger than football fields that had been charred, but active fires were contained to small areas of individual trees.

The dozen or so yellow clad firefighters from environmental enforcement agency Ibama easily cleared

Firefighters extinguish a fire in Amazon jungle in Porto Velho, Brazil, August 25, 2019

brush from around a burning stump with a leaf blower, doused it with jets connected to water packs mounted on their backs and covered it in earth.

A video posted by the Defence Ministry on Saturday evening showed a military plane pumping thousands of litres of wa-

ter out of two giant jets as it passed through clouds of smoke close to the forest canopy.

The response comes as leaders of countries in the G7 nations currently meeting in France expressed grave concerns over the fires.

French President

Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said the G7 was nearing a deal to provide “technical and financial help” to countries affected by the Amazon fires.

Nearly 80,000 fires have been registered across Brazil through August 24, the highest since at least 2013, according to space research agency INPE. Bolsonaro announced the military would be sent in on Friday after several days of criticism from the public and world leaders that Brazil’s Government was not doing anything to fight the fires.

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday he would seek a conservation pact with other Amazonian countries – first in bilateral meetings in Peru this week and then at the United Nations General Assembly.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados braces for Tropical Storm Dorian

B

arbados is bracing for the impact on today of Tropical Storm Dorian which, on Saturday, was upgraded from a tropical depression by the National Hurricane Centre in Miami.

Other areas of the Eastern Caribbean, especially St Lucia, are expected to feel the effects of Dorian on Tuesday.

The TT Met Office said the storm was heading towards Barbados by moving north-west-north from an

Atlantic location east-southeast of the island: “This system is forecast to gradually strengthen and can be near hurricane strength by the time it approaches the Lesser Antilles sometime on Tuesday.”

On the current forecast track, TS Dorian poses no direct threat to TT or Grenada, the TT Met Office added.

“Numerical prediction models have tropical storm Dorian affecting the islands of the northern Windwards

and southern Leewards sometime on Tuesday.” The Met Office urged the public to follow updates on its website or on social media.

The National Hurricane Centre said yesterday the storm is 430 miles or 690 kilometres away from Barbados with sustained winds of up to 40 miles per hour (22 kilometres per hour.)

The Centre said a tropical storm warning is in effect for Barbados, meaning that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36

hours.

Further, a tropical storm watch is in effect for St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, suggesting tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.

“Additional watches or warnings could be issued later today for portions of the Windward and Leeward Islands,” said the Centre.

“Elsewhere, interests in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Hispaniola should monitor the progress of Dorian.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Pregnant woman chopped to death in Trinidad

A

39-year-old woman, who was four months pregnant, was chopped to death early Sunday morning by a 19-year-old close male relative.

The teen is in Police custody assisting with the investigation.

The woman’s aunt, Rhoda Mack, was also stabbed in the head, neck and back and was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. She is in stable condition.

When Newsday visited the home of Alistra Mack-Kampo, also known as Roxanne Mack, at Las Lomas, Chin Chin Road, Cunupia, relatives were sitting under a tent talking

Alistra Kampo-Mack

about the killing and trying to console each other.

The attack on the two women happened at MackKampo’s home shortly after midnight.

At their own home less

than a mile away, MackCampo’s parents Daniel Melville and Jestina Mack, both 59, were crying out to God to have mercy on the young suspect. They told Newsday the young man was

on social media ‘desperately seeking assistance in locating her’.

The message claimed that Oneka Fontenelle was kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend and was last seen being forcibly dragged away by him.

“Information reaching the family is that he is trying to convince her for the two of them to commit suicide together,” it asserted.

Saint Lucia Police confirmed to St Lucia Times that a report that the young woman had been kidnapped

lacking attention and love.

They believe he “tripped off” when he found out about Mack-Kampo’s fourth pregnancy. Mack said the young male relative was abused and found it difficult to come to terms with the fact that Mack-Kampo was pregnant again.

Two of Mack-Kampo’s children are in the care of their fathers.

“He was not shown any kind of love from the womb, and as a toddler it never changed,” Mack said. The teen left school with six passes, and she said she and her husband took care of him after he was put out of the house six months ago.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

12th killed this year

About 90 people are killed on average every day in Mexico [File: Jose

Luis Gonzalez/Reuters]

A

Mexican reporter has been found dead in his home, making him the twelfth journalist killed in the country this year, according to Mexico’s human rights watchdog.

Nevith Condes Jaramillo died as result of being stabbed several times, the State Prosecutor said on Saturday, adding that the case is being treated as a homicide.

Jaramillo, 42, also went by the name Nevith N. He ran the local news site El Observatorio del Sur. On his website, he posted stories that led to him being at odds with local government, resulting in several threats over the last year.

The Mexican National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) condemned the murder in a statement and called for an independent investigation into his death.

It added Jaramillo had requested federal protection

because of the threats.

“With this homicide there are already 153 journalists killed since 2000, and 12 so far in 2019,” the commission wrote in the published statement.

“Violence against Journalists, in all its forms, is one of the main obstacles for our country to consolidate itself as a democracy, hence the need for the authorities of the three levels of government to focus on the prevention, protection and timely investigation of these facts,” it added.

Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Journalists, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Last month, three Journalists were killed within a week, leading to CPJ to call for “an immediate and credible investigation” into their deaths. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados, Trinidad draw closer

B

arbados and Trinidad and Tobago are forging a closer relationship – one they hope will be profitable for both countries.

The deal relates to new gas and oil wells being discovered between their territories.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley, expressed optimism that this new partnership would redound to Barbados’

potential as a gas-producing nation.

This point was noted especially by Rowley who revealed that the first set of wells drilled by way of exploratory drilling of Block 14, which is about 85 miles off the twin-island republic’s east coast but on Barbados’ borderline, have been successful which indicate to them that there was potential in that area and across the line in Barbados. (SDB Media)

will. He did not drag me out of the house, so I don’t know why my mother is saying that the boy drag me out of the house – he did not,” the young woman says in the 27-second video recording.

A family member verified that the female in the vid-

eo post was indeed Oneka Fontenelle.

However, despite the woman’s assertions that she is safe and that she went of her own free will, a family member told St Lucia Times that relatives still have their suspicions. (stluciatimes.com)

St Lucia: Victim of alleged kidnapping says she’s safe

A

young Saint Lucian woman who is alleged to have been kidnapped by her boyfriend has posted a video on social media asserting that she is safe.

This after members of her family posted a message

was made to them on Friday.

But in a new twist to the story, the alleged kidnap victim declared that she went of her own free will.

“Okay, for everybody thinking out of the way I am okay – I am safe. I came with the boy on my own free

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, august 26, 2019

17

Around the World

Iran’s Zarif in surprise talks at G7 summit Hong Kong Police fire

I

ran’s top diplomat has held talks with France’s President Emmanuel Macron at the sidelines of the G7 summit following a surprise invite to the gathering.

Mohammad Javad Zarif landed on Sunday in the French seaside town of Biarritz, where leaders of the G7 nations – the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan – were meeting to discuss a host of issues, including global trade, climate change and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Zarif immediately went into a three-and-a-halfhour meeting with French Foreign Minister, JeanYves Le Drian, according to Reuters news agency.

He spent half an hour with

Iran’s top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks with France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, officials said [Stian Lysberg Solum via Reuters]

Macron.

“Iran’s active diplomacy in pursuit of constructive engagement continues,” Zarif said in a Twitter post afterwards. “Road ahead is difficult. But worth trying.”

His plane departed moments after the whirlwind

meeting ended.

An official in Macron’s office told AFP the discussions were “positive”.

Macron, the host of this year’s G7 summit, has been leading efforts to defuse tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s

decision to pull out of an internationally-brokered deal that offered Iran relief from global sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

After the unilateral exit, Washington reimposed punishing sanctions on Iran, including on its oil and banking sectors.

Zarif did not meet Trump, who was also at the G7 meeting.

Macron decided to invite the Iranian Foreign Minister to Biarritz after hosting a dinner of G7 leaders on Saturday night, a French official told AFP. The invite had been made “in agreement with the United States”, the official added, contradicting a claim by the White House that Trump had not been informed of Zarif’s arrival. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Hezbollah leader says Israeli Army to face quick retaliation to drone ‘attack’ in Beirut

H

ezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday warned the Israeli Army stationed along the border with Lebanon that his movement was preparing an imminent response to two Israeli drones which crashed overnight in a suburb of Beirut.

Nasrallah, whose Iranbacked movement fought a

one-month war with Israel in 2006, issued the toughest warnings to his enemy in years.

“We are in a new stage,” Nasrallah said in a televised speech, referring to the group’s long enmity with Israel.

He said the “suicide drone” attack was intended for a specific target and was a “very, very, very danger-

ous development” and that everything possible would be done to prevent a repeat.

Nasrallah’s comments also followed overnight strikes claimed by Israel that he said killed two Lebanese Hezbollah fighters in Syria.

In the first such incident in more than a decade, one drone fell and second exploded before dawn near

the ground and caused some damage to Hezbollah’s media centre in the southern suburbs of the capital which it dominates, a Hezbollah official told Reuters.

Nasrallah said it marked “the first clear, big, dangerous, breach of the rules of engagement drawn up in 2006” after the end of the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rohingya crisis: Rallies mark 2 years of exile in Bangladesh

T

The Rohingya mark two years of exile

ens of thousands of Rohingya held demonstrations inside their refugee camps in Bangladesh on Sunday, two years after their exodus.

Nearly 750,000 fled their

native Rakhine state in Myanmar in August 2017 as a violent crackdown on the ethnic group surged.

On Thursday, Bangladesh set up a voluntary return scheme – but not

a single Rohingya decided to leave.

They are calling for Myanmar to grant them citizenship before they return.

The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority in Myanmar, most of whom live in Rakhine state, and have their own language and culture. But despite living in Myanmar for generations, they are not recognised as citizens or counted in the census.

Myanmar instead considers them to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

On August 25, 2017, Rohingya militants attacked dozens of Police posts, killing several officers. The re-

sponse from authorities, while supposedly an attempt to arrest militants, saw entire villages burned, and civilians attacked, raped and killed, United Nations investigators found. Local Buddhist mobs were also involved.

The UN says it was a “textbook example” of ethnic cleansing; the Rohingya call it a “genocide remembrance day”.

Myanmar’s military says it was carrying out counterterrorism operations and did not target civilians.

An internal investigation in 2017 cleared the military of blame in the Rohingya crisis. (Excerpt from BBC News)

PM Modi invited to G7 summit

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the G7 Summit in France today.

Although India is not a member of the G7 group, PM Modi would be attending the G7 Summit as a special guest as he has been personally invited by French President Emmanuel Macron. The countries that are part of the G7 include the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.

The Ministry of External

PM Narendra Modi arriving in Biarritz for the G7 Summit Twitter)

(Photo: MEA/

Affairs (MEA) had said that the invitation was a “reflection of the personal chemistry” between the two leaders and also “recognition of India as a major economic power”.

PM Modi arrived Biarritz on Sunday where the G7 Summit is taking place.

PM Modi held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He is also expected to hold meetings with United States President Donald Trump. (Excerpt from India Today)

gun and use water cannon on protesters

A

Hong Kong Police Officer fired a gunshot during protests on Sunday, the first time a live round has been used since demonstrations broke out in June.

Images show several other Officers also pointed guns at protesters who were chasing them with sticks and poles.

In another first, Police deployed water cannon against protesters earlier in the day.

The protests began in the city’s Tsuen Wan district and have since spread to the district of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Demonstrations were sparked by an extradition bill, but have since morphed into broader anti-government protests, and developments on Sunday mark a serious escalation in the unrest.

Police told local media that the gunshot was fired as a warning to protesters, and that several officers had been taken to hospital as a

result of the clashes.

But Police Superintendent Leung Kwok-wing did not say where the shot was aimed.

During the melee, one older man was seen on his knees pleading with Police not to shoot.

Before the scuffle, blackclad protesters had thrown projectiles at Police, including bricks and petrol bombs.

Police also fired rubber bullets and tear gas, and used two water cannon vehicles to clear barricades and disperse crowds.

Images on social media show the vehicles being driven through the streets of Tsuen Wan, where a group of demonstrators had set up roadblocks and dug up bricks from the pavement.

The vehicles are equipped with surveillance cameras and multiple water-cannon nozzles, and Police had said they would only be used in the event of a “large-scale public disturbance”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan’s sovereign council declares state of emergency

This comes at a delicate time for Sudan, following the signing of a power-sharing agreement earlier this month

S

udan’s newly-created sovereign council formally declared a state of emergency in the city of Port Sudan on Sunday, following tribal clashes that Police say have killed at least 16 people.

The acting Governor and the Head of the national security service for the eastern Red Sea state, of which Port Sudan is the capital, were both dismissed, said Brigadier Altahir Abuhaja, spokesman for the sovereign council.

This comes at a delicate time for Sudan, following the signing of a power-sharing agreement earlier this month.

The joint military-civilian sovereign council was sworn in last week, as was Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who is set to form a government later this week.

Clashes between members of the Beni Amer and Nuba tribes, which have flared up in the past, were re-ignited on Wednesday and continued into Saturday morning, a Police statement said.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported torrential rain and floods have killed 62 people in Sudan, according to the official State news agency.

The country has been battered by heavy rains since early July, affecting almost 200,000 people across 15 states. White Nile state in the south of the country has been hit hardest.

The United Nations said that more than 37,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged while more flashfloods are expected.

The rainy season continues until the end of October.

(Excerpt from Reuters and BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, august 26, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

An open mind will help

(March 21- you see problems. If you April 19) look at all sides of a situa-

tion, you will come up with a solution that suits everyone.

Don’t leave anyone out.

TAURUS Take the initiative and (April 20- follow your heart. Whether May 20) you are making personal changes or starting a new project, believe in your ability and shoot for the stars.

Romance is encouraged.

dilbert

GEMINI Someone will lead you (May 21- astray if you are gullible.

June 20) Question anything that sounds suspicious. It’s up to you to protect your interests. Focus on good health and saving money.

Peanuts

CANCER (June 21July 22)

A chance to share something special is heading your way. If you discuss plans with a loved one, you will turn your dream into a reality. Romance is in the stars.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Know what you want and make your move.

Consistency will be required if you’re going to gain respect and support. If someone procrastinates, step up and take charge.

Make the necessary VIRGO (Aug. 23- changes required to achieve Sept. 22) success. You need to embrace whatever it takes to reach your professional or personal goal. Romance is in the stars.

Calvin and Hobbes

Use caution when disLIBRA cussing projects with peers.

(Sept. 23Someone is likely to misOct. 23)

SUDOKU

quote you or use your ideas to get ahead. Strategic action will be required to avoid interference.

Positive change will tranSCORPIO spire if you make plans with (Oct. 24someone who can offer you inNov. 22) formation, direction or solutions. Romance is featured.

Think about your emotional and spiritual upbringing.

SAGITTARIUS Head in a direction that will encourage learning and (Nov. 23making personal improveDec. 21) ments. Listen to your heart, not to what someone is trying to get you to believe.

Hold on to your cash.

solution for SATURDAY’S puzzle

Consider your plans, go CAPRICORN over every detail and make (Dec. 22your dreams come true. A Jan. 19) change at home will encourage better relationships with loved ones. Romance is on the rise.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don’t let anyone spread rumors or tell lies, or you will become part of the problem instead of the solution. Be true to yourself and to your loved ones.

Aim for efficiency. A minPISCES imalist approach to dealing (Feb. 20with others and living your March 20) life will result in peace of mind and more time to enjoy the finer things.

MONday, august 26, 2019

19

Stokes’ century seals the deal --historic one-wicket win keeps Ashes contest alive

A

Ben Stokes erupts with joy after sealing England’s highest chase in Tests

day that began full of possibilities flipped and flopped and flipped again on the balance of probability until it ended with an air of impossibility, as England kept the Ashes contest alive, thanks to a match-winning century from Ben Stokes, that nerveless, gifted England superstar.

His unbeaten 135 handed England the most unlikely of victories -- by one wicket -- in the third Test at Headingley. It has allowed them to level the series at 1-1 in one of the most thrilling finishes imaginable.

Well, since England’s World Cup triumph last month, with -- you guessed it -- Stokes front and centre, he and Jack Leach stood up against the odds and steered their side to their highest successful run chase in Tests; two days after they had been humbled for 67 in their first innings, and were then set 359 to win.

On numerous occasions, Australia threatened to take the final wicket they needed for a victory -- which had seemed inevitable -- only to fluff their lines repeatedly.

Stokes was dropped on 116 when he sent a top-

edge off Pat Cummins towards third man. Marcus Harris got his hands to it, but couldn’t hold on.

Australia then wasted a review when Cummins rapped Leach on the pad and the DRS confirmed the ball had pitched well outside leg. That wasted review came back to haunt them.

When Stokes just cleared the man on the rope for a six off Nathan Lyon, the crowd went wild, with England needing just two more to win. Two balls later, Leach should have been run out after going for a non-existent single, but Lyon fumbled as he tried to gather the throw from backward point.

Stokes should have been out lbw attempting to slogsweep the very next ball, which was pitching on middle and leg and shown by Hawk-Eye to be hitting the stumps; but with no reviews left, Australia could do nothing about it. The wasted review had come back to haunt them.

Hosts England had dared to dream when they resumed on a hot summer’s day at 156 for 3, with Joe Root unbeaten on 75 and Stokes locked and loaded, having faced 50 balls for his

2 not out.

CUES

Cue the possibility: These two batsmen were at the crease: Root, with a point to ram home after going some way to answering critics of his batting, captaincy, and combination of both; and Stokes, with a fifty and a Man-of-the-Match century to his name in the previous two Tests. They were fully capable of bringing England within reach of the 203 runs still needed to clinch victory.

Cue the probability: While frustrated on the third afternoon, Australia’s attack had kept the pressure on; and with the second new ball due after eight overs on day four, England faced a big task just to navigate the morning, let alone chase down the target. That became even more unlikely when Root fell -- having added just two runs -- to a brilliant slips catch from David Warner, his sixth of the match, off the bowling of Lyon in the sixth over of the day.

Stokes and Bairstow swung the probability back in England’s favour with a defiant and threatening 86-

run stand, the union broken only when Bairstow, on 36, attempted to cut Josh Hazlewood but guided the ball to Marnus Labuschagne at second slip.

Cue the impossibility: The knock by Stokes, which included 11 fours and eight sixes, also saw him farm the strike expertly; while England No. 11, Leach, deserved huge plaudits for holding his nerve in a 76run partnership with Stokes off 62 balls, to which Leach contributed 1 off 17.

Only once in the history of Test cricket - actually only a few months ago, in Durban has a last-wicket pair scored more to secure victory.

Stokes had looked like he was running out of partners. Jos Buttler, initially called through and then sent back by Stokes, was run out to a direct hit from

3

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st Innings 179 All out England 1st Innings 67 All out Australia 2nd Innings 362-9 dec England 2nd Innings (target: 359 runs) RJ Burns c Warner b Hazlewood 7 JJ Roy b Cummins 8 JE Root (c) c Warner b Lyon 77 JL Denly c †Paineb Hazlewood 50 BA Stokes not out 135 JM Bairstow † c Labuschagne b Hazlewood 36 JC Buttler run out (Head) 1 CR Woakes c Wade b Hazlewood 1 JC Archer c Head b Lyon 15 SCJ Broad lbw b Pattinson 0 MJ Leach not out 1

ing 10 for the match - returned to the attack. Stokes proceeded to take 19 off the over; bringing up his ton with a four hammered through wide long-on, and

Extras 31 (b 5, lb 15, nb 1, w 10) TOTAL 362/9 (125.4 Overs, RR: 2.88) Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Rory Burns, 5.6 ov), 2-15 (Jason Roy, 6.3 ov), 3-141 (Joe Denly, 59.3 ov), 4-159 (Joe Root, 77.3 ov), 5-245 (Jonny Bairstow, 99.1 ov), 6-253 (Jos Buttler, 102.2 ov), 7-261 (Chris Woakes, 105.6 ov), 8-286 (Jofra Archer, 114.6 ov), 9-286 (Stuart Broad, 115.2 ov) BOWLING O M R W PJ Cummins (24.4-5-80-1) JR Hazlewood (31-11-85-4) NM Lyon (39-5-114-2) JL Pattinson (25-9-47-1) M Labuschagne (6-0-16-0)

the covers to the boundary, he let out an almighty roar, arms outstretched as Leach ran to embrace him like the saviour he was.

It seemed like so long ago

David Warner took a screamer to remove Joe Root

Travis Head. Chris Woakes chipped Hazlewood straight to Matthew Wade at short extra cover. Jofra Archer holed out after a brief cameo, and Stuart Broad was out lbw to a James Pattinson yorker.

As Stokes neared his century, Hazlewood - who was one wicket away from claim-

following up with consecutive sixes. Stokes later admitted there were moments when he wasn’t part of the action that he couldn’t watch.

Leach levelled the scores with a single off Cummins, and when Stokes brought up the win on the next ball, flaying Cummins through

that Stokes had toiled with the ball for 24.2 overs to claim 3 for 56 in Australia’s second innings. That was when Labuschagne topscored for the tourists for the third time in as many innings with 80. It made Stokes’s feats with the bat all the more remarkable.

(Excerpted from Cricinfo)

Aguero double seals convincing Man City win over Bournemouth

P

ep Guardiola has hailed David Silva as “one of the best players” he has seen. That was after Silva had contributed to all three of Manchester City’s goals in a convincing win at Bournemouth.

On a landmark day for Silva -- making his 400th appearance for City -- he again demonstrated his enduring quality as the champions moved up to second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool. The 33-year-old began the move for Sergio Aguero’s opener, and then provided assists for Raheem Sterling and Aguero, to add

Sergio Aguero has scored 235 goals for City

to the Blues’ tally.

“He played incredibly well!

David, in this kind of game with a defence so deep and with such few spaces - is so good,” Guardiola said. “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”

Despite an occasional defensive lapse, it proved a largely comfortable afternoon for City, who quickly established control, and went in front when Argentina forward Aguero turned Kevin de Bruyne’s cross into the bottom left corner from eight yards.

Sterling then doubled their advantage with his fifth goal in as many match-

es, flicking a shot beyond Cherries’ keeper Aaron Ramsdale after a fine Silva pass.

While Bournemouth rallied and substitute Harry Wilson’s superb 25-yard free-kick raised hopes of a fightback, Aguero pounced for City’s third, after more good work from Silva. The 31-year-old emphatically finished from 10 yards to record his 400th career goal. It ensured Bournemouth, who drop to 10th place, continued a miserable run against City that has seen them concede 28 times in their last nine league meetings. (Excerpted from BBC Sport)

20

MONday, august 26, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

West Indies-India 1st Test…

INDIA IN RECORD WIN OVER WI

B

-with Bumrah’s 5-for-7, Rahane’s ton

lown away by Jasprit Bumrah’s fivewicket haul, West Indies fell to 100 all out in what was effectively under a session’s worth of batting, handing India a 318-run win, their biggest away win when defending a total.

In the process, Bumrah, in only his 11th Test, has become the first bowler from Asia to take five-wicket hauls in Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.

Bumrah’s spell was built around Jasprit Bumrah hitting the stumps, specifically the off-stump, was brilliant regardless of whether the batsman was rightduring his 5-7 handed or left-handed. He did this four times, all against recognised West Indies batsmen, and on the back of fast, moving deliveries.

Left-handed opener John Campbell tried to drive Bumrah through the off-side on line, but managed only to offer a wide passage for the ball to swing in late and knock the stump over. It was a fiery stamp on the game from Bumrah, who had looked offcolour in the first innings.

As if to add further strength to that bounce-back, Bumrah produced a repeat of the ball to Darren Bravo, smashing his offstump in much the same manner off what happened to be the last ball of the second session; with West Indies going into the break on 15 for 5 after nearly 113 overs in the field.

It had all started with the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite in Bumrah’s first over. A loose prod at a wide out-swinger was Brathwaite’s downfall, with the thin edge carrying conveniently through to the keeper. Debutant Shamarh Brooks was in early as a result, but minutes after Bumrah’s in-swinger had rattled Campbell’s stumps, he was the victim of a prodigious in-swinger from Ishant, and was trapped in front of leg stump as he fell over trying to flick from the crease.

Bumrah could have had a fourth wicket before tea - India bowled only 45 balls for the five wickets they picked up in that session - but the edge he induced with an out-swinger to Shimron Hetmyer was dropped at third slip by Virat Kohli. Kohli was visibly relieved in the very next over though, as Hetmyer went chasing an out-swinger from Ishant, and Rahane, at gully, held on safely.

West Indies had reshuffled their batting order, possibly because of Roston Chase’s 38-over spell and two innings of wicket-keeping for Shai Hope. They were both pushed a spot down from the first innings order, but found themselves in the middle after 7.3 overs at the start of the last session, trying to salvage something for the hosts.

Bumrah was having none of it. While the wickets of Campbell and Bravo came from full in-swingers, he deceived Hope off the surface. Bumrah was barely short of a good length in the second innings, and this meant he could straighten one from middle stump past Hope’s outside edge. West Indies had only just got past the lowest Test score - 26 - at that point.

An exasperated Jason Holder showed no signs of putting up a fight, swatting a short ball straight to backward square leg to be dropped, then pulling Jadeja for four from a good length next over.

He could only get as far as the second ball of Bumrah’s next over - an out-swinger from middle stump that squared him up before taking out off-stump. That was Bumrah’s fifth wicket.

Moments after an ironic applause had gone up when West Indies had made it to 50, Mohammed Shami bowled a peach that left Chase from a good length and took his off-stump.

Kemar Roach, among the best bowlers in the Test, albeit with little fortune, proved a thorn with the bat as well. He struck 5 sixes, including three off a single Ravindra Jadeja over, as he put together West Indies’ highest partnership of the match for the last wicket with Miguel Cummins. From 50 for 9, the pair took West Indies to 100 in under seven overs.

Six cleanly struck sixes helped that cause, but Ishant had Roach top-edge a pull 20 minutes from stumps, as India sealed the win; which took Kohli past Ganguly’s 11 for most away wins as captain

Mohammed Shami celebrates the big wicket of Roston Chase

and placed him on par with Dhoni’s 27 wins overall.

West Indies’ batting was a far cry from India’s effort earlier in the day. Having begun the day 260 ahead, they stretched the lead to 418 on the back of Ajinkya Rahane’s 102 and Hanuma V i h a r i ’s 93. Rahane’s hundred was his tenth in Tests, although the first since 2017. It’s a milestone that has fo l l o we d him in many series, so when he did manage to find it with a tuck behind square, the relief was telling.

Rahane smiled, stretched his arms as he acknowledged t h e dressing room, and then immediately fell to his k n e e s and rested his head on the bat to take a moment.

It had been a long time coming.

The man to take charge for India in the second session was Vihari, though.

Aside f r o m this driving, h e also played the shot of the day, a ramp off Gabriel over the third man boundary.

On a slow pitch, it was also fitting that such a shot came from a man who had been in the Caribbean with the India ‘A’ team since the start of the month. It was one of many dominant moments he had against Gabriel, who showed signs throughout of a potential niggle in his left leg.

In the push for declaration, Vihari was given the time to pursue his hundred, even after Rishabh Pant had holed out to deep backward square.

Vihari swept a ball from wide outside-off past midwicket to get into his nineties. But he fell on 93 shortly after, trying to pull Holder but getting himself cramped.

That push for declaration had been set up in a first session wherein Rahane oozed patience once again. His first-innings fifty had its moments of nervousness and fidgeting, but on Sunday he barely provided a chance.

Starting the day on 53, he made full use of West Indies’ reliance on spin and generous fields - point and Ajinkya Rahane long-on were perennially out on scored a fine century the boundary - and continued to build his innings around singles and twos. When the partnership approached 100, even he couldn’t resist stretching his arms and creaming a Jason Holder delivery wide of mid-off on the

3

SCOREBOARD

India 1st Innings 297 all out West Indies 1st Innings 222 all out India 2nd Innings KL Rahul b Roston Chase 38 M Agarwal lbw b Roston Chase 16 C Pujara b Roach 25 V Kohli (c) c John Campbell b Roston Chase 51 A Rahane c Holder b Gabriel 102 H Vihari c Shai Hope b Holder 93 R Pant (wk) c (sub)Keemo Paul b Roston Chase 7 Ravindra Jadeja not out 1 Extras 10 Total 343 (7 wkts, 112.3 Ov) FOW: 30-1 (Mayank Agarwal, 13.2), 73-2 (Lokesh Rahul, 29.2), 81-3 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 30.5), 187-4 (Virat Kohli, 73.4), 322-5 (Ajinkya Rahane, 107.6), 336-6 (Rishabh Pant, 111.4), 343-7 (Hanuma Vihari, 112.3) BOWLING O M R W Kemar Roach (20-8-29-1) Shannon Gabriel (16-3-63-1) Roston Chase (38-5-1324) Jason Holder(c) (18.3-4-451) Miguel Cummins (7-1-20-0) John Campbell (6-0-20-0) Kraigg Brathwaite (7-0-24-0)

West Indies 2nd Innings KKC Brathwaite c †Pant b Bumrah 1 JD Campbell b Bumrah 7 SSJ Brooks lbw b Sharma 2 DM Bravo b Bumrah 2 SO Hetmyer c Rahane b Sharma 1 RL Chase b Mohammed Shami 12 SD Hope † b Bumrah 2 JO Holder (c) b Bumrah 8 KAJ Roach c †Pant b Sharma 38 ST Gabriel c †Pant b Mohammed Shami 0 ML Cummins not out 19 Extras 8 (lb 7, nb 1) TOTAL 100 all out (26.5 Overs, RR: 3.72) Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 1.4 ov), 2-10 (John Campbell, 3.5 ov), 3-10 (Shamarh Brooks, 4.1 ov), 4-13 (Shimron Hetmyer, 6.6 ov), 5-15 (Darren Bravo, 7.3 ov), 6-27 (Shai Hope, 11.1 ov), 7-37 (Jason Holder, 15.2 ov), 8-50 (Roston Chase, 19.2 ov), 9-50 (Shannon Gabriel, 19.6 ov), 10-100 (Kemar Roach, 26.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W I Sharma (9.5-1-31-3) JJ Bumrah (8-4-7-5) RA Jadeja (4 -0-42-0) Mohammed Shami (5-3-132)

Bumrah destroys Shai Hope’s furniture

rise.

It was Holder, though, who eventually held the catch at midoff as Rahane tried to chip Gabriel. That ended the stand on 135, adding to the 82 they’d put up in the first innings to save India the blushes. It was one of the few moments of cheer for West Indies, who’d begun what turned out to be a humiliating day with the wicket of Kohli in the second over. (Excerpted from cricinfo)

Joelinton gives Bruce first win

-as Newcastle beat Spurs

Club record signing Joelinton’s first goal in English football has given Newcastle United a surprise win at Tottenham, and Steve Bruce his first Premier League points as their manager.

The Brazilian striker took advantage of sleepy Tottenham defending to control substitute Christian Atsu’s through pass beautifully, before drilling past Hugo Lloris. Sent on after Allan Saint-Maximin had to go off with an early hamstring injury, Atsu provided the assist with his first significant contribution.

Spurs lacked the creativity to break down a resolute Newcastle side, whose four-man midfield spent a large chunk of the contest sitting deep in front of a back five.

Son Heung-min, making his first Tottenham appearance of the season after completing a three-match suspension, saw a bouncing first-half volley beaten away by Martin Dubravka, then rolled a shot wide shortly before the interval.

In an attempt to salvage something from the 500th match of his managerial career, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino sent on Christian Eriksen and Giovani lo Celso for the final half-hour. It almost worked. Lo Celso’s pass for Harry Kane ended with the England captain falling under Jamaal Lascelles’ challenge, but Mike Dean ruled it was not a penalty, and was backed up by the check from video assistant referee (VAR) Anthony Taylor.

Then Eriksen’s superb diagonal pass gave Moussa Sissoko the room to cross low, but Lucas Moura skied his shot over the bar from around eight yards.

Newcastle paid £40m to buy Brazilian striker Joelinton from Hoffenheim in July

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monday, august 26, 2019

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A&R Jiwanram Printery 3rd Golf Classic…

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Shanella London blanks the field It was a day when the women shone. In the 16–36 ‘B’ handicap category, former Suriname and Guyana Open Women’s Champion Shanella London (74/15) outperformed the entire field to win both the top position in her flight and the best score of the day!

Second in that category was Kalyan Tiwari (75/16), with Patanjilee Pur Persaud (76/16) copping the third position.

George Bulkan, in fourth position with a close 77/15, has earned himself honourable mention.

In the 0-14 ‘A’ flight, current Suriname Open Invitational Women’s Champion and former Guyana Open Women’s Champion, Dr Joaan Deo (76/14), took the top position on a countback from LGC President Aleem Hussain (76/9). Both players had net 76, closely followed by third place winner William Walker (78/12).

Winner of the Longest Drive was Monnaf Arjune of the ‘A’ flight.

A&R Jiwanram Printery, of 31 Back St., Bel Air Village, Georgetown, is a modern, professional, hitech printing & graphic designing company that does a wide range of print jobs, including banners, clothing, calendars, books, wrappers and business cards, in

From left to right: Captain Chatterpaul Deo; William Walker; LGC President, Aleem Hussain; Joaan Deo, Shanella London, Kalyan Tiwari, George Bulkan, Monnaf Arjune

small or large quantities as requested. The company has a general maximum turnaround time of 24 hours.

A&R Printery has been an ardent supporter of the Lusignan Golf Club, efficiently and effectively making available paper and print facilities for the Club at much reduced cost, and sometimes at no cost.

Managing Director of A&R Printery, the Guyana

Presidential hopeful Mr Ramroop ‘Cecil’ Jiwanram, has expressed his commitment to hosting two one-day golf tournaments to encourage golfers to hone their skills in preparation for other tournaments, and in particular the Guyana Open scheduled for October 25 & 26. This is after there has been a three-week layoff, due primarily to extremely high rainfall.

Mr Jiwanram has already hosted the A&R 2nd Golf Classic tournament in April this year. It was won by Maxim Mangra [65/26]). The A&R Printery’s grand Weekend of Golf includes a tournament on Sunday August 25. Teeing-off time is 9:00h LGC President Aleem Hussain is pleased that the battle for golf supremacy in readiness for the Guyana Invitational International Open 2019 is taking great shape, as the keenly competitive scores of the day’s play has assured that several golfers have their eyes on the trophies on offer in that outstanding tournament.

The A&R Jiwanram Printery can be contacted on Tel: 592-226-5588 and 592-603-1250/1255

President Skerritt checks in on Alzarri Joseph post-injury

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerritt showed his concern when he met with young West Indian speedster Alzarri Joseph in the practice nets during the ongoing first Test between the West Indies and India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Joseph was injured while playing for his franchise team, the Mumbai Indians, in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year. He had a surgical procedure done and has had intensive rehabilitation under the watch of the Mumbai Indians medical team.

He only recently returned to Antigua, where CWI medical personnel have also been closely watching his rehabilitation and progress as the CWI again work

with him to ensure his full return to fitness, in order that he might be back in the maroon outfit.

Twenty-two-year-old Alzarri Joseph, who has been described as “one for the future” for the West Indies, has already made his name in all three formats of the game. He has played in nine Test matches, in which he has taken 25 wickets, while his participation in 16 One Day Internationals has seen him grabbing 24 wickets, including a best of 5-56.

This Antigua-born speedster has had a dream debut in the IPL 2019, where he grabbed 6-12 before later sustaining injury. He plays for the Leeward Islands in the Regional 4-Day tournament, but will represent the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots during the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Ricky Skerritt and Alzarri Joseph during a net session in Antigua

Holder disappointed with top order performance NOT RECEIVING

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Jason Holder

West Indies skipper Jason Holder has made known his profound disappointment with the performance of his toporder batsmen in the just concluded first Test against India.

His men were bowled out for 222 in the first innings against India at Antigua, giving the visitors a lead of 75 runs.

India then made 185, losing three wickets in the process but extending their lead to a healthy 260 at stumps on day three.

After India had been bowled out for 297 in the first innings, the hosts made a poor reply, with none of the top

four batsmen surpassing 25. As a result, West Indies were struggling at 50 for 3 by the 21st over, and had it not been for a bit of resistance from the lower order, even 200 would not have been attained.

"Extremely disappointed!" was how Holder summed up the batting performance of his men after stumps. "It's been a common thing for our batsmen now. We have not been able to step up as a top-order; the middle and lower orders have done an exceptional job. We are behind the eight ball because we did not bat well in the first innings," he said.

Holder has, however, reserved praise for senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, whom he hailed as the best bowler in the Test so far. Roach picked up 4 wickets in the first innings, including that of key batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, whom he again dismissed on day 3 when India batted for the second time.

He could have added Rahane's wicket to his tally as well, but John Campbell failed to hold on to the catch. A few overs later, a leg-before appeal against this same batsman was turned down by the umpire, and the hosts failed to review it as well, but replays showed it was a bad decision, as the ball tracker predicted the delivery would have hit middle stump.

Eventually, Rahane's partnership with skipper Virat Kohli put India in a strong position in the Test. "Yes, Ishant got

five wickets in the first innings, but Kemar is probably the bowler of the game," Holder opined. "I am not discrediting Ishant's performance, I thought he bowled really well as well. But I think Kemar has so far stood out.

"Kemar's been brilliant. He, Shannon (Gabriel) and myself, we have done a lot of hard work over the last couple of years. I am not surprised by his performance. He tends to like this ground as well, he's had quite a bit of success here at Antigua.

“The thing about Kemar is that he keeps you guessing, keeps you playing, and there's never a situation where he can be predictable."

Even though the lead has now touched 260, with India still having seven wickets to extend it, Holder is optimistic of his side's chances. "We definitely did drop a chance, and I definitely can't control umpiring decisions," Holder said.

"We could have reviewed it, but at that stage we felt it was bat as well.

“Unfortunately, it didn't go our way; that decision.

That's just the way the game is played. The bowlers are doing an exceptional job. India is scoring at 2-plus an over, which is good. We've missed a chance here and there, and obviously (if we had been given) the lbw decision there, the game would have looked a lot different. But having said that, we are definitely in hand, still in hand; we are fighting today." (Excerpted from cricbuzz)

2019 IKD Caribbean Karate Cup…

Visitors dominate 16-19 Kumite category

Males 16-19 battling it out (Shaconiel Burnette photos)

A

fter a successful opening day for the Guyana Karate College’s (GKC’s) 2019 IKD Caribbean Karate Cup tournament -- on Saturday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, when the hosts captured 42 gold medals -- the second day was filled with heated contest.

On that second day of the 2019 International Karate Daigaku (IKD) Caribbean Karate Cup, in the Kumite Females 16-19, Trinidad and Tobago’s Chelsea Mohan claimed first position, while Teshana Wong of the Guyana Karate College (GKC) copped second position. In third position was

Barbados’ Lizee Su. In the Male 16-19 Kumite, Dominic Lue-Fatt of Trinidad and Tobago claimed the top spot, while fellow Trinidadian Nathan Smith copped second position. Andre Roberts of GKC took third position.

Reflecting on the opening day, GKC won 21 gold medals in the team kata and team Bunkai categories; 18 silver and six bronze in the team kata, and 15 silver and six bronze in the team Bunkai.

Leading the way in terms of medals, the Male and Female 8-11 teams each won three gold medals in the 3-1 Kyu division, while the Male 8-11 took gold in the first Dan; the Female team finished third.

In the 12-15 Male class, GKC took the top podium spot in the 3-1 Kyu, while the Male team won the 16-19 segment. The Male 50+ team claimed the gold in the 1+ Dan category.

Meanwhile, in the Male and Female 8-11 categories, the hosts teams continued their dominance in the Team Bukai, as they captured gold in the 6-4 Kyu, while the 12-15 and 16-19 Male team carted off the gold medals in the 3.1Kyu division.

The Guyanese contingent added to their medal

The contest was watched by hundreds at the Sports Hall

collection when the Females further won gold in the First Dan, while the Male 40-49 and Over-50 teams took the gold in the First Dan. Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) won gold in the First Dan team Bunkai, 16-19 First Dan, and 20-29 Male First Dan. T&T also took the top prizes in the 12-15 3-1kyu. The GKC female 8-11 team of Alyssa Ramotar, Alyssa Singh and Anya Insanally won gold in the individual First Dan, while Trinidad and Tobago took the top three places in the 8-11 individual 3-1 Kyu. More results are to follow in a subsequent report.

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monday, august 26, 2019

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2019 Caribbean Mini and Pre Cadet Table Tennis Championships…

Guyanese contingent begins quest for individual glory

F

ollowing their bronze medal performances -- in which the boys’ 13-years-and-under ‘A’ team of Jonathan Van Lange and Krystian Sahadeo had captured bronze in the Team events, and Jonathan Van Lange and Colin Wong had copped another bronze in the Doubles events -- the Guyanese contingent at the 2019 Caribbean Mini and Pre Cadet Table Tennis Championships will be looking for individual glory when the singles aspect of these championships begin.

There were also good quarter-final performances coming from the boys’ 11-yearsand-under teams of Ebo Mc Neil and Malachi Moore, and the boys’ Under-13 ‘B’ team of Colin Wong and Dhanesh Persaud.

The Guyanese teams will now be hunting to increase their medal tally when the singles aspect of the championships commences at the gymnasium Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

In the Boys’ 11 Years-and-Under category, Malachi Moore is seeded #2 in Group Five, along with Alexander Perez of the Dominican Republic, who is seeded #1; Jeriel Torres of Puerto Rico, who is seeded #3, and Billion Bruce of T&T, who is seeded #4.

In that same category, Ebo Mc Neil is seeded

The Guyanese contingent

#3 in Group Three, along with Sebastian Cruz of Puerto Rico, who is seeded #1; Geovanny Cruceta of the Dominican Republic, who is seeded #2; and Cruteca’s countryman Samuel Garcia, who is seeded #4.

In the Girls’ 11-Years-and-Under category, Jasmine Billingy is seeded #2 in Group Four, along with Cecely Polanco of the Dominican Republic, who is seeded #1; Michel Fermin of that same country, who is seeded #3, and

Adriana Vargas of Puerto Rico.

Samara Sukhai is seeded #4 in Group 5; along with Yesmelly Guerro of the Dominican Republic, who is seeded #3; Kallyn Cruz of Puerto Rico, who is seeded #2; Ashlea Mohamed of Trinidad and Tobago, who is seeded #3.

Akira Watson is seeded # 4 in Group 2, along with Carolina Sosa of the Dominican Republic, seeded #1; Lyliana Boodhan of Trinidad and Tobago, seeded #2; and Mileizy Brioso, seeded #3.

In the Boys’ 13-Years-and- Under category, Jonathan Van Lange is seeded # 1 in Group 3, along with Rafael Cabrera of the Dominican Republic, and Eliam Davila of Puerto Rico who is seeded #3.

Colin Wong is seeded #1 in Group 7, along with Andelson Acvedo of the Dominican Republic, seeded #2, and Sameer Ali of T&T, seeded #3.

Krystian Sahadeo is seeded #2 in Group 2, along with Giovanni Centeno of Puerto Rico, and Yoel Mendoza of the Dominican Republic, seeded # 3 in the group.

Dhanesh Persaud is seeded #3 in Group One, with number one seed Ramon Vila and Yadier Lopez Puerto Rico, seeded# 2.

Ramdhani cops bronze in Senior CAREBACO championships

P

riyanna Ramdhani made great representation for Guyana Badminton, finishing the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Open International tournament on a high.

After four appearances by Guyanese in the quarterfinals of this top class competition, in which they had been pitted against some of the best players from 23 countries around the world, Ramdhani has emerged the lone Guyanese player to progress through the stages and earn a bronze medal in the Ladies’ Doubles category.

Having made it to the semifinals, a loss at this stage meant that the 17-yearold Guyanese would have to settle for the

bronze.

Pairing up with Barbados’ Sabrina Scott for the Ladies Doubles, the Guyanese/Bajan pair took on Barbados’ Monyata Riviera and Tamisha Williams in a thrilling three setter.

The Full Bajan pair ended up taking the win after securing two sets, 21-17, 12-21, 1221.

With this bronze medal, the Guyanese contingent that competed at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium in Barbados have taken their CAREBACO Senior and Junior medals count to 4 gold and three bronze.

Additionally, Priyanna Ramdhani is the reigning triple-crown Junior champion, having won the Ladies Singles, Ladies Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories in

Priyanna Ramdhani in action

the Junior competition.

Countries that participated in the 2019 CAREBACO championships are: Czech Republic, Germany, Panama, USA, Canada, Italy, Luxembourg, Wales, Poland, Finland, Iceland, Slovakia, Suriname, Haiti, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Jamaica, England, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, and Mongolia.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has noted its extreme happiness with the teams’ achievements, and has sought to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who assisted in making the teams’ successes a reality.

Bishoo, Bramble make significant donation to BCB

W

est Indies players Devandra Bishoo and Anthony Bramble have made significant donations to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) during this past week.

The leg-spinner Bishoo donated a 32-inch television to upgrade the BCB office located at Charlotte Street New Amsterdam Berbice; while Bramble donated a water dispenser valued at $30,000.

Bramble is a Guyana Amazon Warriors player who earned selection for the West Indies T20 International team earlier this month.

BCB boss, Hilbert Foster, continuing his tremendous work in Berbice cricket, is currently spearheading a special project to upgrade the BCB office as part of that organisation’s 80th anniversary.

This restoration project is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

And Attorney-at-Law Rohan Jagmohan has also contributed to the upgrading of the BCB Office in the form of an outdoor water trolley.

Thus the Charlotte Street, New Amsterdam office of the Berbice Cricket Board is now furnished with a 32-inch television set, a water dispenser, and a water trolley.

The entire office will be upgraded for the

Devandra Bishoo presenting the television to BCB PRO Simon Naidu

32-inch

sole purpose of improving the services of the BCB to the general public, and also to cut operating expenses.

The floor of the office will be tiled, the

Anthony Bramble handing over his donation to BCB President Hilbert Foster

roof will be sealed, new furniture will be obtained, and office equipment installed along with other necessities.

Both Foster and the BCB are delighted

with the donations made, and have deemed it refreshing to know that the Berbice West Indies players are contributing to the development of cricket in the ancient county.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, august 26, 2019

Shoaib Malik brings great composure to the table and has scored over 7000 runs an average above 30, with 44 half-centuries and nine centuries to his name.

A three-dimensional player, Malik has a Test double century in his 35 Test matches, and has 158 ODI wickets under his belt.

In the shorter format, at the International stage, Malik is among the great T20I batsmen, with 2263 runs to his credit.

Only three batsmen have scored more runs than Malik: India’s Rohit Sharma,

Shoaib Malik bats during the 2018 season

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik, a calm and cool character, is again in the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) squad for the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The 37-year-old Malik does not just bring great leadership qualities to the squad, but his rich experience playing cricket in all parts of the world.

Having made his CPL debut in 2013 for the Barbados Tridents against the St Lucia Zouks, Malik announced himself at the “Biggest Party in Sport” with a player-of-

Role of a captain! Malik spins toss during CPL 2018

the-match performance on CPL debut when he hit a brilliant 78 from 51 balls in his first ever CPL match. He has since played five seasons for the Tridents, but he played his first season for the GAW in 2018, when he played five matches before he was called upon for overseas duties with Pakistan.

When the Hero Caribbean Premier League commences on September 4, Malik will be playing the entire season for the GAW. The Pakistani made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 1999 against West Indies, and picked up two wickets on debut with his off-spin. The seasoned campaigner has since played 287 ODI matches

23

has 136 wickets, with two five-wicket hauls at an average of 26.57. He has a best bowling figure of 5-13 at a strike rate of 22.7.

In the first edition of the CPL, Malik scored 272 runs in eight matches, followed by 406 runs in his prolific 2014 season wherein he had four half-centuries. He continued his consistency with 209 runs

GAW Captain Shoaib Malik scored 50 runs from 33 balls against Jamaica last season

who has the most runs in T20 International cricket (2422); India’s Virat Kohli, who has scored 2369; and New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, who has scored 2272 runs. Malik is fourth on the all-time list.

With the exception of playing all the years in CPL, Malik has played the Indian Premier League, the Big Bash and the Pakistan Super League. He has a total of 345 matches in global T20 matches (Domestic) and 8701 runs which include 51 half-centuries, with a high score of 95 not out in the shortest format.

The right-handed batsman offers more to the game with his controlled off-spin. He

in the 2015 season, followed by 263 runs in 2016. In his 2017 and 2018 seasons, he played only five matches, scoring just over 100 runs.

Malik has shown his consistency in the past, and will bring his experience to the fore, as he is certainly a good purchase for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2019 edition.

This fine right-handed batsman has been in fine form of late, scoring 213 runs in five innings at the Global T20 Canada.

He was dismissed only once, when he produced a high score of 64 for Vancouver Knights.

International Drag Race Meet…

RAIL CAR DOMINATES -Mechanical issues beset Team Mohamed

Rameez Mohamed with his Toyota Altezza

T

he Railcar out of Trinidad and Tobago dominated the spotlight at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sport Club’s International Drag meet at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday.

A unique invention, this vehicle, driven by Andy Bissessar, won the Unlimited category, but had a false start in another Unlimited race with Team Mohamed’s Nissan GodzillaGTR. In that race, the Godzilla suffered a blowout and failed to finish the race.

Team Mohamed had unfortunately encountered mechanical issues over the weekend, and could not satisfy the expectations of its hundreds of fans who had turned up at the meet to witness “Goliath” and “Godzilla” demolish the opposition. “Goliath” did not even make an appearance on the starting line.

Nevertheless, the fans were entertained

Deryck ‘Mad Dad’ Jaisingh’s Toyota Supra

by the other drivers. In the 600CC Bike category, Andy Rajkarran emerged victorious, while Micheal Mathurine and Joel Bruce out of Trinidad copped the unlimited title for the bikes.

Biker Kevin Persaud won the ATV race, followed by Shivan Ragnauth in the 16 seconds’ category and Ramesh Persaud in the 15 seconds’ race.

Rafeeq Khan was victorious in the 14 seconds’ race, while Pierre Singh copped the winning spot in the 13 seconds’ race.

Damion Persaud kept his course to win the 12 seconds’ race, while the 11 seconds’ battle was won by Jagdeo Seecharran out of Trinidad and Tobago, and Oneal Higgins won the 10 seconds’ encounter.

GMR&SC President Rameez Mohamed, with his Toyota Altezza, took the top spot in the 9-seconds’ race.

monday, august 26, 2019

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

guyanatimesgy.com

International Drag Race Meet…

Page 23

RAIL CAR DOMINATES -Mechanical issues beset Team Mohamed

Shoaib Malik brings great composure to the INDIA IN RECORD table WIN OVER WI West Indies-India 1st Test…

Page 20

-with Bumrah’s 5-for-7, Rahane’s ton

Page 23

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