Guyana Times, Monday January 20, 2020

P14

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New wave of wealth, prosperity for Region 10 – Irfaan Ali guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4171

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

5 homeless as Linden apartment building goes up P2 in flames

See story on Page 12

...outlines PPP/C's strategy to move region forward

Man nabbed with illegal gun, P9 ammo

Cyclist dies after colliding with motor car P11

APNU/AFC candidates admit promises remained unfulfilled

Page 15

…Rome wasn’t built in a day – Volda Lawrence

Expert Jagdeo flays urges Govt on natural failure to gas substitute include youths in for Heavy Fuel Oil – says clean, reliable & cheap energy Guyana’s development would be a “godsend” for Guyana Linden rally

Elderly man P11 allegedly beaten by son’s employer over stolen money

See story on page 3

Page 7

Fisherman found dead with multiple stab wounds Page 9

P7 Kaneville man allegedly chopped to death during argument

2 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 homeless as Linden apartment building goes up in flames

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ive persons are now homeless following a fire which gutted a two-storey apartment building in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), on Friday evening.

The Lot 468 Canvas City, Wismar apartment which

was owned by 72-yearold Shiloh Mustafa of Silvertown, Wismar, went up in flames at approximately 19:15h.

The upper flat of the wooden and concrete building was being rented by 36-year-old Kendrick

Hector, who is serving time at the Camp Street Prison.

The lower flat of the apartment was divided into two sections – one is occupied by Chybye Mc Donald, a vendor and her 7-yearold son and the other by Vanita Hackett and a min-

er, Denton Montou.

Enquiries disclosed that all the apartments in the building were equipped with electricity with the exception of Mc Donald’s apartment.

According to McDonald, she secured her apartment

The apartment building after the fire

prior to the incident and went out to a bingo event with her son.

On the other hand, Hackett related that after being at home all day, she

left home at about 19:00h to hang out with her friends.

However, shortly after, she received the news that her apartment building was on fire.

Firefighters from the Linden Fire Station were summoned to the scene and attempted to contain the blaze but the entire building was gutted.

Police also responded to the scene and questioned several persons in the area but reported that no useful information was received.

An investigation has been launched into the incident to determine if the building was purposely set on fire.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, January 20 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Tuesday, January 21 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, January 20 –13:10h – 14:40h and Tuesday, January 21 – 14:10h – 15:40h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals are expected throughout the day. There will be clear skies and partly cloudy conditions at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 13:01h reaching a maximum height of 2.35 metres.

Low Tide: 06:30h and 19:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.98 metre and 0.84 metre.

Linden rally

Jagdeo flays Govt on failure to include youths in Guyana’s development

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he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration failed multiple times in almost five years to include young people in the plans for Guyana’s future, and ensured that the older generation were placed in seats of power.

This is according to Opposition Leader and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who told hundreds of party supporters at Lien Ken-Pen Square, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Sunday, that unlike the current Government, the PPP/ Civic has over 50 young persons included on its list of candidates for the upcoming Regional and General

collectively, we will fight it down every day; we have a multi-ethnic nature in the PPP.” He urged the crowd in Region 10 to vote for the PPP/C in the upcoming elections slated for March 2, 2020, adding that once the Party replaces the current Government, it would provide more and better job opportunities, better health care and development of more communities while including youths “in a meaningful way”.

In the plethora of instances where Jagdeo flayed the APNU/AFC Government for failures and what he deemed as blatant acts of corruption, he cited the recent inking of an agreement between a private contractor and the current adminis-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

This, he said, was an illegal act since the Government was still in “care taker” mode following the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling after the valid passage of the No-Confidence Motion that was passed on December 21, 2018.

Additionally, he elaborated that the “good life for

A section of the gathering in Linden

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Elections.

He said that while young persons were being given a chance at leadership, this was in no way being disrespectful to the older generation who have given valuable contributions to the Party.

“It doesn’t mean we want to get rid of older folks, but we are a growing party, a changing country and we have to include young people… In 2015, people who come here (Linden) now to tell you to vote for the coalition told you that at previous campaigning in 2015 and they have been excluded (by their government) since.

They misled young people when they promised them jobs and opportunities,” the Opposition Leader told the gathering.

According to Jagdeo, the PPP/C strongly values the contributions of both the young and old generations and its core is built on collaboration from peoples of all walks of life, all religions, and all ethnicities in Guyana.

“But this Government (APNU/AFC) preaches disinformation, preaches racism. They cannot run on track record because they have no achievement, trying to divide our people along the racial lines. But

tration to construct a school at Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway to the tune of over $800 million.

all” slogan being trumpeted by the APNU/AFC was “hollow and meaningless” since the vast majority of

the country’s populace has never experienced the “good life” to date after 2015.

“People now are paying taxes on food stuff, baby diapers, Value Added Tax (VAT) on medicine, VAT on water, VAT on electricity that is amounting to $88 billion out of your pocket. They have spent $1.1 trillion of our money over the years and yet all of our sectors are in trouble,” Jagdeo stated.

According to the PPP General Secretary, the current administration had put in place “anaemic policies” with no consistencies in its goals or policies.

He noted that the current Government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars that was left in the country’s treasury and handed over to it in 2015, but there have been no developments to date that would account for the wasted taxpayers’ dollars.

“Every agency that we left money in – it is now zero. The $10 million at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is gone. The $20 million in the gold reserves – all gone,” Jagdeo told the Region 10 community.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

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

Policing the public sphere

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ollowing the German philosopher of democracy Jurgen Habermas, we view modern liberal democracies as integrally sustained by a “public sphere” constituted by citizens conducting implicit and explicit discussions with each other – often through the press. By definition, the various opinions proffered on any given subject implied, and accepted, differences. And furthered the goal of freedom.

The only conditions to the discourse were that it be conducted “rationally” (ie, reasons must be offered for claims made) and civilly and that the interlocutors accept that they were on a common endeavour.

Today, with the explosion of social media fuelled by the communications revolution, the public sphere has expanded exponentially to a point where it threatens to overwhelm rationality and civility as citizens attempt to get their views across on matters adjudged to be pressing.

This has become very evident in this period leading up to the elections scheduled for March 2.

As has been the case in every election since the 1960s, race/ethnicity has remained as the most salient cleavage along which the people of Guyana choose to align themselves when it comes to voting. While political leaders have been accused of “exploiting” this cleavage, the iron law of rational choice leads them ineluctably to follow the inclinations of the populace.

In such a milieu, political leaders have a very grave responsibility to ensure that they do not pander to racial or ethnic fears and stoke them further with inflammatory rhetoric. Race and ethnicity are a special type of cleavage since they go to the essence of what constitutes identity in the modern world and which actuates a type of politics that evokes very stark fears of survival and even extinction. These are not fears that can be trifled with. We have witnessed the consequences of such fearmongering in each of the continents during the past three decades, and it is our belief that none of our leaders really wish for us to go down that path of no return.

Referring to the present elections campaign, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) – with the mandate to ensure “civility and rationality – observed last week: “So far, it’s early days as yet but we have actually identified two incidents that took place where language was used which we thought was language used to excite the crowd on the basis of racism.”

The ERC has tremendous powers at its disposal for dealing with ethnically incendiary exhortations by politicians. It is explicitly mandated by Art 212 (D) (w) “to make recommendations on penalties, including the prevention of any political party or any person from participating in elections for a specified period, to be imposed for any breach of the provision of the Constitution or any law dealing with ethnicity”.

Unfortunately, the ERC has shown itself to be very reluctant to carry out its mandate in a manner that will demonstrate to the political class that it means business.

Almost a year ago, the ERC received a complaint that the hiring practices of GECOM – an institution critical to the conducting of free and fair elections in Guyana – was ethnically biased in terms of the staffing of its Secretariat, since 90 per cent of its staff was from one ethnic group.

With such an adverse impact on other ethnic groups, the ERC refused to insist that GECOM demonstrate that its hiring practices were fair. It simply noted that the Human Resources Officer refused three requests to respond, and took no action.

Just as pertinently, it refused to take any action against the then GECOM Chairman who denied employment to the most qualified candidate for the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO). He applied his casting vote with the three Government Commissioners against the applicant Vishnu Persaud, after declaring he found the latter to be “a shifty person, who had lied about his qualifications”, when in fact he had never met the individual.

Because the stakes at this juncture of Guyana’s history are so high, the ERC has to become much more pro-active in ensuring that “racial genie” is not let out of the bottle.

Japanese women wearing kimonos hold balloons as they attend their Coming of Age Day celebration ceremony at Toshimaen amusement park in Tokyo, Japan, last week. Coming of Age Day is a Japanese national holiday that occurs on every second Monday of January.

Coming of Age Day or Adult’s Day honours every person that has turned 20 years old over the past year (Reuters/Kim Kyung-Hoon)

March 2, 2020 is judgement day Dear Editor, After seeming aeons of vexatious wait and uncertainty, the Guyanese public finally welcomed President Granger’s official proclamation that March 2, 2020, will be General and Regional Elections. The necessary forced announcements come earlier than Mr Granger’s fallen APNU/AFC Government would have truly liked, signalling an end of the frustrating wait by the Opposition, the nation and international stakeholders. Judgment day will soon be upon us for the trial and ousting of the dictator.

It follows an extended period, through which, the President and his men exercised glaring constitutional breaches, and continue to impose more and more dictatorial policies unlawfully effecting undemocratic power extending delays. A period through which the fallen Granger-led cabal attempts damage control while fleecing the treasury, after being woeful exposed by the main Opposition for their attacks on the people and perpetuated governance failures.

The expected reactions of the Granger cabal have been one of clandestinely attempting to influence the transparency of the election Machinery, while unfairly abusing the state resources in propagandising a false veil over his true intent. The time is up for this cabal and citizens will no longer accept the fallacies. We the people must do the uncloaking of the veil on judgment day.

In synchrony of process, it is of note that public, private and platitudes spaces are filled daily with enthusiastic supporters and appre-

hensive interested observers, as the leading political figures of political parties who satisfactorily completed aspects of the Nominations embark on the campaign trail. It is, therefore, opportune and rational to present a comparative glance at the list of candidates nominated to serve by the main contending parties.

From the recent media reports, one would be very quick to observe that of the 13 political parties who submitted nominations, the PPP/C is the main challenger to the APNU/AFC coalition that would be contesting in all the regions nationally.

Additionally, that two presidential hopefuls, Lennox Schuman and Vishnu Bandu representing other smaller parties, may have knowingly made false declarations on their nominations submissions and are likely to be charged and sanctioned.

The APNU/AFC list as presented, represents a major regurgitation of the ‘same ole same ole’ and is led

by David Granger who apparently is only adrenalised when elections come around.

His prime ministerial candidate Mr Kemraj Ramjattan has been a miserable failure heading the security sector over the past truncated term of Office and was only chosen at the last moment following much public apprehension and protraction

by Granger.

The APNU/AFC list summarily includes approximately 50 per cent of 86 candidates who are in the septuagenarian-octogenarian category, who it is known that Mr Granger highly favours for leading ministeri-

al and parliamentary positions. Approximately 10 per cent of the candidates are related, evidencing the obvious reality of the intended family business approach of a Government to be formed by this clan. It presents a calamitous projection for youth, and suggest a continuance of the same failed policies for which the Government fell in the NoConfidence Motion.

The PPP/C, on the other hand, has presented an impressive list of over 100 candidates, which adequately addresses the dynamic demographics in the national representative framework.

The leadership is strong and defined by a combination of youthful and competent Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali, blended with the articulate, highly trained and respected former GDF Chief of Staff and Prime Ministerial Candidate Mr Phillips. This is supported by the experience of former and most successful President in this hemisphere, PPP’s General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, together with numerous competent and patriotic candidates of all ethnic composition.

Many of the candidates are new and young, who have already proven their capabilities in their own professions, whilst others have demonstrated unquestionable proficiency during the party’s tenure in Government, and during a period when the country experienced years of sustained economic growth and unprecedented physical and social infrastructural development.

The combination exhibits diversity and illustrates

that the PPP/C, as the most experienced political party in Guyana, remains relevant and rooted amongst the Guyanese people and nation. It has fielded lists of competent and committed candidates that bring youth, energy, experience, technical and professional competence and a wealth of knowledge from all lifestyles. One cannot, therefore, deny the oozing potential of the entire list, and that it inspires immense and greater confidence in the wider Guyanese electorate.

It is timely and necessary to highlight the seemingly default suboptimal approach of GECOM in terms of key delivery expectations related to the balance, composition, and training of necessary staff to be used in the imminent elections. Notably, the ID cards for newly registered persons and those who completed transactions during the Claims and Objections are still outstanding way past the expected timelines.

Reliable sources informed this columnist that incompetently trained staff improperly handled many of these transactions and bungled the associated data to support the smooth process. It is time that GECOM comes clean on this issue! Will all these persons be voting without ID cards?

Additionally, the Commission must approve the employment, training, evaluation, and assignment of polling day staff. Madam Chairperson, please give these matters the required focus and attention.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multiple regions flagged for engaging in restricted tendering ꟷ instead of open tendering; AG says regions breached Procurement Act

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perusal of the 2018 Audit Report shows that many contractors may have been robbed of a chance for work, as a number of regional administrations invited select contractors to bid for works in restricted tendering, rather than open tendering as the law sets out.

According to the Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his report, Regions number One, Five, Eight, Nine and 10 were found to have breached the Procurement Act by awarding contracts while incorrectly using restricted tendering.

“Breaches of the Procurement Act were discovered where contracts were incorrectly awarded using Restricted Tendering instead of National Competitive Bidding. In ad-

A dorm for students at Port Kaituma Secondary

dition, contracts were also incorrectly awarded using the three-quote method of procurement,” the report states.

The Audit Office noted

that in the case of Region One, when a contract for repairs to the Port Kaituma Teachers’ Quarters was awarded, there was no evidence that this contract

was advertised. Amounts totalling $6.6 million was paid to the contractor as of December 31, 2018.

The Audit Office explained that when the project

was checked, the contractor was found to have been overpaid. When given a chance to respond, the regional administration assured that the engineer would be written to for a response. The Audit Office also found general issues with monies allocated for maintenance.

“The sum of $427.480 million was allocated for maintenance works.

As at 31 December 2018, the sum of $427.459 million was expended. Included in this amount is the sum of $183.198 million expended on maintenance of buildings,” the report says.

“An examination and analysis done on Payment Vouchers, contracts and related tender documents revealed three instances totalling $12.492 million, where the contract documents and

Payment Vouchers were prepared and paid to the contractor at a higher price than what the contracts were awarded for by the Regional Tender Board.”

According to the Audit Office, there was no evidence that these contracts had approved variation. It was noted that as a result, it was unclear on what basis the regional administration prepared contracts exceeding the amounts approved by the Tender Board.

In its response, the administration promised that the engineer would be written to, requesting an explanation. In its recommendation, the Audit Office urged that the regional administration ensure that all contracts awarded are prepared for the same amount as that approved by the Tender Board.

Allowing Treasury Bills for budgetary support is akin to converting BoG into a slush fund Dear Editor, I was encouraged to undertake some research after reading your newspaper article dated January 5, 2020, headlined “Bank of Guyana overdraft now over $75B”. My investigation revealed that there is something exceedingly more dangerous than the overdraft, and that is the new practice by the Bank of Guyana (hereafter referred to as the Bank) to issue Treasury Bills for budgetary support.

The Statistical Bulletin for the 3rd quarter of 2019

of the Bank shows that Treasury Bills explicitly issued for this purpose increased from $1,300 million in May 2018 to $67,517.1 million by August 2019.

It is important to note that this new practice is unlawful and severely undermines the independence of the Bank.

According to Section 46 of the Bank of Guyana Act, “The Bank may purchase or sell negotiable securities issued by the Government: Provided, that the Bank may not, except as otherwise specifically permitted

under Section 7 (3), 49 (2) or 50 purchase or sell such securities from or to the Government.”

When Section 46 is read conjunctively with these Sections, it means that the Bank can only issue Government securities: (i) where its General Reserves Fund is inadequate to cover any net loss of the Bank; (ii) to cover any loss from the revaluation of the Bank’s assets or liabilities denominated in gold, foreign currencies or internationally recognised reserves, and (iii) for open

market operations.

The general rule governing the credit operations with Government securities, as well as the exceptions to the general rule, does not provide for the issue of Treasury Bills for fiscal purposes.

The new practice by the Central Bank is, therefore, completely illegal.

Editor, I am upset not only by the complicity of the Bank to facilitate this illegality but its impudence to report the breach.

Indeed, by reporting the breach, the Governor and

Board of the Bank are collectively telling the nation that they have no qualms breaking the law or shying away from their purpose set out in Section 3 (1) of the Act, which states that “… the Bank of Guyana shall be an autonomous institution governed by this Act”.

While it has become customary for all and sundry to trample upon our laws, I believe this new practice should be challenged at every level. If not, it will continue with the intensification of the risk of the Bank

being used as a slush fund to support the reckless spending of Government, eg, purchase of flags, $600 million medical bills for 29 Cabinet members, fireworks and helicopter rides

by Government officials to deliver kites to citizens in the interior regions.

Allowing this illegality is akin to giving someone with a spending addiction a signed cheque to spend at his/her whims and fancy.

Sincerely, Name withheld

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

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T

he academic side of things might be pretty clear, but the same can’t be said for extracurriculars. It’s hard to know exactly what role extracurricular activities should play in your high school experience, let alone on your college applications. Extracurriculars are a broad category to begin with — they seem to encompass everything from starting your own dog-walking business to participating in ground-breaking scientific research projects.

So you might be wondering, what’s the deal?

Are some extracurriculars more important than others? Which will be most heavily weighted on your college application?

And how do you know which are worth pursuing?

Read on for the five standards you should keep in mind when selecting an extracurricular activity.

In general, extracurricular activities should show your dedication and commitment to an activity, highlight your leadership skills, and create the picture of a well-rounded student who has chosen to focus on a few passions. The trick is that in order to really be successful and convincing in doing this, you’ll need to participate in

Foundation

activities due to your genuine interest and excitement about them.

Ultimately, extracurricular activities need to be things that you enjoy.

So, how should I choose an extracurricular activity?

There are a number of different factors you should consider when choosing an extracurricular.

of school should be something that you enjoy doing.

Much of your work at school is assigned rather than selected, so take advantage of the opportunity to select your activities outside of school. Getting involved in something that you enjoy is a great way to pursue an interest or hobby. If you participate in the same activity for long enough, you’re bound to gain valuable experience and exper-

enjoy on a superficial level. For example, if you enjoy speaking French and French culture, you probably enjoy French club. But if you are planning to study abroad in France in the near future, you probably care about your experience in French club a lot more, since it has a real-world context. Some examples of extracurricular activities that you might care about could include volunteering at a local senior centre, joining an investment club, or becoming an active member of your church.

Something that is challenging

Extracurricular activities can serve various roles, from bolstering a college application to providing you with an outlet or the chance to pursue hobbies that you genuinely enjoy.

Here are five categories to consider when selecting an extracurricular activity.

You should try to find activities that fit into as many of these categories as possible.

Something you enjoy doing

Basically, anything that you choose to pursue outside

tise. You might even be able to take on a leadership role. Some examples of extracurricular activities that you might enjoy could include school clubs.

Something that you care about

Beyond choosing an activity that you enjoy, you should also choose something that you care about.

These two categories may sound similar, but there are many things that you can

It’s easy to choose extracurriculars that don’t ask much from you. You can often sneak by with minimal effort, if you want to. But if you don’t choose something that challenges you, you could be missing out. There is definitely something to be said for working hard towards a goal and then ultimately achieving it. And of course, college admissions committees like to see go-getters who commit to some hard work with an end goal in mind. Some examples of extracurriculars that might challenge you include debate club, sports teams, or the school newspaper. (Excerpt from blog.collegevine.com) TO BE CONTINUED

I

t’s boring to be constantly surrounded by books, even in school/college. There is no doubt about it.

Educational institutions realise this, which is why they introduce extracurricular activities in the yearly syllabus. In spite of this, there are parents who still believe that the only way to their child’s excellence is through textbooks. I won’t say it is false, but yes, textbooks are not the only way to reach excellence. In fact, students’ participation in extracurricular activities has positively proven to improve their academic performance.

Gone are the days when educational inFor all the students stitutions were purely about studying and gainwho are willing ing knowledge inside to participate in four walls of a classroom.

Knowledge has exceeded activities, now such limits and reached in places we never thought is your time to it would reside. learn new things Educationists and teachers from across the and participate world stress the imporin as many tance of extracurricular activities because they extracurricular strongly believe that it is significant to one’s activities as overall development. possible, along Encouraging students to engage and participate with studying. in extracurricular activiMake sure you ties ensures the development of crucial life skills strike a perfect and qualities like self-confidence, multi-taskbalance between ing, fast-thinking, sharp your academics and memory, personality development, etc. extracurriculars Schools and colleges by dedicating today are expanding variety of extracursufficient time to their ricular activities beyond the common debate, art, both. dance and elocution competitions. Quizzes, sports, drama and plays, music, marching band, educational trips, etc, are also conducted by the schools now. In addition to this, many inter-school/college festivals are also conducted to boost engagement and participation of students.

This highly benefits students in honing skills like networking, communication, speaking, listening analysing, and volunteering, etc. These extracurricular activities help students in becoming organised and also independent; qualities that help throughout life.

These extracurricular activities not just help in students’ personality development, but further help them in building their careers. For instance, a student holding accolades in sports can get admission in a well-reputed college, even if his grades don’t meet the college’s required grade limit. His/her merit in sports gives an additional benefit. Similarly, working as a head in the marketing department of a fest or leading a welfare campaign can help students land internships which further help in securing jobs. How then can extracurricular activities come in the way of an individual’s development?

Moreover, with options flooding in the career world, students must explore as many opportunities as they can. It might surprise you but earlier where school going students used to watch cartoon shows after returning from school, are now working as freelancers for companies and earning their own pocket money. This level of engagement in extracurricular activities is new and also highly rewarding.

For all the students who are willing to participate in activities, now is your time to learn new things and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible, along with studying. Make sure you strike a perfect balance between your academics and extracurriculars by dedicating sufficient time to both. Wasting time sitting at home isn’t going to benefit you. You must step out and dive into the pool of activities that are available for you in abundance. (https://youthincmag.com)

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Expert urges natural gas substitute for Heavy Fuel Oil

– says clean, reliable & cheap energy would be a “godsend” for Guyana While there has been talk about bringing natural gas onshore, there is no clarity on the logistics or even how much gas ExxonMobil will provide to Guyana.

According to one oil and gas expert, the importance of natural gas to Guyana cannot be overstated.

This was according to Robert McNally, an energy expert and the President of Washington-based Rapidan Energy Group, during a recent engagement with the media. He noted that natural gas would be a much cleaner substitute for the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) currently being used by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to generate power.

"Guyana generates much of its electricity from Heavy Fuel Oil production. Natural gas is a much cleaner source of electric power generation. I know some of the gas is needed for reinjection, but hopefully there will be enough gas where it can be brought on shore and it can replace Heavy Fuel Oil,” he said.

According to McNally, this can offer the country an abundant, reliable and cleaner source of power. McNally noted that having studied the oil market, Guyana also being able to cut its electricity expenses would be a “godsend” for the country.

"I'm an oil expert. I studied the oil market. And I think the oil market and what Guyana has found is miraculous. What’s even more miraculous is electricity. Because if oil is the lifeblood of the global civilisation, electricity is the nervous system.

“We cannot function

problem, natural gas energy production could help to modernise the country.

“People who live in Guyana know that electricity is a problem, and it is a problem because of an old system, but it is also a problem because of the fuel source. Bunker C – that is very old and antiquated, the power plants are not efficient in any way, shape, or form. And so, you have an opportunity now to bring natural gas on shore and

have gas-fired power generation and that will open a whole lot of opportunities for the country,” the energy consultant had said.

Natural gas, while not a renewable source of energy, is composed mostly of methane and small amounts of other hydrocarbons. Its emissions contain a significantly lower level of carbon dioxide, when compared to oil.

In fact, natural gas, when used for power generation,

also emits fewer sulphur and nitrogen oxides, making it the cleanest of all fossil fuels. As such, Government has previously said it could use natural gas to transition to a ‘green state’.

Already, private companies like Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) have begun the transition.

It was only last week that the company commissioned Guyana’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) gasification terminal.

Kaneville man allegedly chopped to death during argument

T Energy expert Robert McNally

without electricity. I understand you have very expensive power too. Ample and cheap power for Guyana, that would be another godsend for the country, if the gas can be brought on shore at some point," he noted.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had previously announced that there were plans to establish a 188-megawatt power plant. There are also plans to land the pipeline necessary for the transfer of the gas at a site on the East Coast of Demerara.

Part of a US$20 million loan that Guyana had signed with the World Bank had gone towards funding a study to examine the merits of bringing natural gas on shore for the local energy market.

Meanwhile, Exxon has

said that around 30 to 35 million cubic feet of natural gas would be required for the gas-to-shore project.

Recently-released data from Norwegian research company Rystad Energy had indicated that less than 20 per cent of the 1.8 Billion Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) discovered last year was gas. The Haimara discovery made by Exxon last year was found to have 207 feet of high-quality gas condensate sandstone reservoirs.

Several persons have already championed the merits of bringing gas to shore, including US-based energy consultant Edwin Callender.

At an energy forum in June of last year, Callender had noted that in a country like Guyana where power outages were a significant

he police are on the hunt for two men following the discovery of their brother’s body in a clump of bushes in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, on Saturday.

The dead man has been identified as 50-year-old Mark Burquette of Third Street, Kaneville, EBD. It was reported that the man was found with several chops to his fingers and head, and abrasions to his side and other parts of his body. Burquette was known for doing odd jobs in the community.

Nevertheless, based on reports received, the man’s brother was the last person to see him alive. It is alleged that the now dead man and two of his brothers had a confrontation just before he

was found dead.

Moreover, when Police visited the brother’s home, all of their belongings were packed up and removed from the premises. Police are currently looking for two suspects.

M e a n w h i l e , Superintendent Kurleigh Simon when contacted told

Guyana Times that up to late Sunday evening, the two men were still on the run.

As such, he is asking anyone with information in connection with the death of Burquette to contact the Diamond Police Station on telephone number 2160251/4.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Winfer Gardens Primary School teacher’s attack…

Parent who attacked, beat teacher to make court appearance this week

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he parent who brutally attacked and beat a Grade One teacher attached to the Winfer Gardens Primary School in November 2019 is expected to make his court appearance in the upcoming week.

This is according to Commander of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Sub-division A (Georgetown), Assistant Police Commissioner Edgar Thomas, who confirmed that this matter will be heard before the courts.

He stated that although he is unsure of a date for the parent to appear at the court, justice is one step closer to being served to the teacher, who was subjected to the physical assault by the perpetrator.

Late November, the teacher, Yolanda Jackson sustained injuries about her body following the brutal attack by the parent, which occurred in the teacher’s classroom.

Investigating…

T Winfer Gardens Primary School, where the incident took place during November 2019

Based on information received, Jackson was visited by the parent within the confines of the school to address an issue concerning her child who was reportedly beaten by the said teacher.

An eyewitness indicated that a verbal confrontation ensued between the teacher and the woman, whose child is a pupil in her class.

This, however, led to a physical attack in the presence of other pupils.

Other teachers and students who witnessed the incident detailed that Jackson was “dragged onto the floor”, “kicked”, “punched” and “slammed” by the lone parent and the entire confrontation lasted several minutes.

A video made just after

the attack captured one of the students explaining, “She beat teacher Jackson and her head was bleeding”.

A few hours after, a report was filed with the police as the Education Ministry was also made aware of the matter at hand.

While the motive of the parent’s attack was not clearly determined, it is alleged that the child was recently beaten severely at the hands of the teacher.

Photos that surfaced on social media showed the fiveyear-old’s swollen fingers and marks across the upper arm.

Nevertheless, educators at the institution at that time clearly expressed that “violence is not the answer”.

Last year, while teachers were being attacked, several students had come forward about violence at their schools – an institution which is supposed to be considered a safe place.

On November 13, 2019, six-year-old Fawaz Asgar was left traumatised after a fellow schoolmate slashed his hand with a broken glass bottle at the Mon Repos Primary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Just a few days prior, eight-year-old Richard Boodram was reportedly beaten by five of his classmates, also at the Mon Repos Primary School, ECD. The child was reportedly struck to his head with a bottle and a piece of wood and had to be hospitalised for several days.

In October, a female student attached to a school in Berbice was badly beaten and her hijab ripped off by other students.

In March 2019, a student attached to the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), Berbice, was viciously attacked by his peer who beat him with a belt.

…racial slurs he ERC was established to deal with “racial” matters in Guyana…which, most would concede is vitally necessary since “race” or “ethnicity” permeates every social interaction in our dear old mudland.

Notwithstanding political correctness’ insistence that we REALLY don’t have a “race” problem and it’s only during the elections “silly season” that matters rise to the top.

Like butter after churning milk! Save that what’s churned in Guyana is anything but the milk of human kindness!!!!

But for whatever reason, the organisation hasn’t made much of an impact to damp the racial tensions in the society. One reason was that for years after the formation of the ERC, the PNC insisted that its chair – Bishop Juan Edgehill – wasn’t “fit for purpose”. But what about the present? Surely the PNC has no problems with Rev Smith of the Assembly of God??

Well, the ERC stirred itself up after its somnolence over the past five years, to ask a tele-pastor to apologise for insisting that a Hindu form of worship – signalled by sticking flags into the ground in their own yards – was the cause of much of this nation’s woes. Including, evidently, our high traffic mortality. The fella immediately announced – a la Galileo - that he didn’t REALLY didn’t mean to apologise, but the ERC had reverted to its status quo ante!!

But it would appear its slumber was interrupted by events on the hustings when it announced: “So far it’s early days as yet, but we have actually identified two incidents that took place where language was used which we thought was language used to excite the crowd on the basis of racism and those incidents are – Plaisance with Mr Joseph Harmon and Kitty Market Square with Bishop Juan Edghill.”

Your Eyewitness hopes the ERC will make available the exact quotes it feels were made on the basis of “racism”.

As far as he remembers, Harmon’s “objectionable” words might be referring to Mark Phillips, the PPP’s PM candidate, as a “token Black”? He also remembers that Edgehill said “PNC don’t own ‘black people’. Is this usage of “Black” “racist”?? In the US, for instance, African Americans routinely refer to themselves and are referred to as “Blacks”. Has the “N” word now been joined by the “B” word as that which cannot be uttered?

But your Eyewitness was taken aback that while the ERC is mulling over this sensitive topic, one of its members – its African-Guyanese rep – pronounced on the guilt of Edghill in his Chronic column!! While we know the ERC isn’t exactly a judicial body bound by the rule of “sub judice”, hasn’t the fella exposed his bias?

After all, he didn’t mention Harmon’s alleged “racist” transgression!! …tokenism With all due respect to the ERC, if it’s investigating Harmon for talking about possible “Black tokenism” in the choice of the PPP’s PM candidate, your Eyewitness believes this is actually the most salient issue in Guyana’s politics since the formation of the PNC in 1958 formally split the independence movement PPP along ethnic/racial lines.

For reasons far too complex to be treated in a column such as this, even though both Jagan and Burnham tried valiantly to resolve the paradox, it must be accepted it’s still an open question. We believe Phillips’ riposte to Harmon’s went to the heart of the matter. Pointing to the PNC’s tactic to use Indo-Guyanese such as Nagamootoo and Ramjattan as “tokens” in their purported coalition, Phillips posited: “Harmon is worried. He is very worried and desperate because we in the PPP don’t just speak about racial harmony and racial unity. We in the PPP lead by example.”

The test of the (token) pudding, of course, will be the voting pattern on March 2!! …feasibility studies Your Eyewitness did a double take when he read that a “feasibility study plus designs” for rehabilitating the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, cost $2 billion!! That’s US$10 million!!

What made it worse is that the winning bid was for less than US$1 million!!

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man nabbed with illegal gun, ammo A

man has landed himself in hot water after he was nabbed with an unlicensed firearm and matching rounds of ammunition on Sunday morning.

According to information received, Police ranks were on patrol duty between North Road and Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown, when they observed the suspect acting in a ‘suspicious manner’ in close vicinity of a fast-food restaurant in the area.

The man was approached and questioned by the police after which a search was conducted on his body, and a blue ‘side bag’ he was carrying at the time.

The .32 Taurus pistol and a magazine containing two .32 rounds of ammunition were found in the bag that was around his shoulder.

The suspect, who hails from Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was questioned as to whether he was a licensed firearm holder.

According to the police, the man replied in the negative and as such, he was immediately arrested and taken to the Alberttown Police Station, Georgetown.

The .32 Taurus pistol firearm and the ammunition were marked and lodged in the suspect’s

Prince William Street, Plaisance, when Police ranks turned up at that location.

A search was carried out on the man, which un-

earthed a Glock 19 pistol with seven live rounds of ammunition. In addition, the police also found six grams of cannabis in the suspect’s possession.

He had been immediately arrested and the illegal items that he had in his possession were lodged at a police station.

Fisherman found dead with multiple stab wounds

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The .32 Taurus pistol firearm and a magazine with two .32 rounds of ammunition.

presence.

He is currently in Police custody as investigations into the matter continue.

Just two weeks ago, another ECD resident was detained by the police in relation to the discovery

of an unlicensed gun and matching ammunition.

The 25-year-old construction worker of Goedverwagting, ECD, was allegedly in the process of disposing of a firearm at a residence in

he lifeless body of a fisherman was discovered along the Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) roadway on Saturday night with multiple stab wounds about his body.

Dead is 23-year-old Mukesh Mangra, also called “Paul” of Coldingen, ECD. According to reports received, on the night in question, between 19:45h and 20:30h, a painter was heading home on his bicycle when he made the gruesome discovery.

Mangra’s lifeless body was lying on the Western side of the said road with two stab wounds to his abdomen – one to the left side and the other to the right side. The young man immediately contacted the nearest police station and ranks reportedly responded to the scene.

According to the police, the area was searched and a blue-handled knife was found almost 50 feet away from the body.

Mangra’s mother,

Dead: Mukesh Mangra aka “Paul”

Lillowattie Samaroo, also called “Barbara” reportedly told the police that her now dead son had left their home on January 11, 2020, to work at sea.

However, she explained that he was slated to return home on Saturday but did not show up. She believes that he might have been killed during a robbery since he would collect money from

his boss when he is off the sea.

Meanwhile, according to the police, several persons were questioned but no one was arrested in connection with the murder.

Mangra’s body was transported to the Lyken Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem as Police continue their investigation into the gruesome murder.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Coalition Govt squandered taxpayers’ money – Dr Frank Anthony

The controversial Sussex Street drug bond

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our and a half years after the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) Government took office, it has been blasted for breaching procurement laws, entering into shady deals and wastage of taxpayers’ money.

This was according to former Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Frank Anthony, who posited that it remains unchanged as monies continue to be squandered at all levels. These were among the issues Dr Anthony raised at a People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) community meeting at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

The former shadow Heath Minister specifically pointed out the wastage of monies within the health sector, making reference to the controversial Sussex Street drug bond

contract which the coalition Government entered and paid over $264 million in rental fees since 2016.

But according to Dr Anthony, even after the contract came to light during the consideration of financial papers, the APNU/AFC continued the agreement for another three years before ending it.

“Look at the Ministry of Health, in the Ministry of Health they decided that they want to have bond, a place to store medicine.

Where they were storing the medicine before they used to get the place for free but when they come in, they say ‘nah’ they gonna move out from the free place and now go to a different place and you would’ve think that the bond they used would’ve met standards fuh store medicine. They first go and they find this man and they gave the $22 million upfront and the man take the money and he buy one house in Sussex Street…he fix it up and rent it back to the Government for $12.4 million every single month, what you call that? Isn’t that corruption?” he explained.

Anthony is of the view that the bond’s hefty monthly rental fee of $12.5 million, should have been used

Dr Frank Anthony during his address at the PPP/C party meeting

for the development of communities such as Cove and John. This led him to point out another shady transaction involving funds for medical supplies under regional leaders appointed by the incumbent Government.

“Imagine if they took some of that money and gave this NDC to do some work, you could’ve gotten a better road, drains could’ve been better cleaned... almost every level you can see corruption seeping into the Government. This is what is going on, wastage of the people’s money, Region Six,

it got a set of AFCs and APNU man who running the health system there, first of all, they have no qualifications in health. The Auditor General again, when he goes and audit the books up there, he found 52 items, medicines that they buy way above the price.”

Nevertheless, while expressing confidence that the PPP/C will win the upcoming March 2 General and Regional Elections, Dr Anthony urged residents to play their part in returning the country to prosperity by coming out and vote.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cyclist dies after colliding with motor car A

pedal cyclist is the country’s latest road fatality after the bicycle he was riding collided with a motorcar at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, on Saturday evening.

Dead is 20-year-old Lennox Collette of Lot 4 Public Road, Land of Canaan, EBD. Based on reports received, at about 21:00h on the night in question, a motor car driven by a 24-yearold man collided with Collette.

Reports are that the driver of the vehicle was travelling on the Western carriageway when Collette rode out of a nearby “crossstreet” and into his path, thus resulting in the colli-

sion.

Collette would have fallen onto the bonnet of the vehicle as a result of the impact and subsequently landed on the roadway.

According to the police, the driver exited his vehicle and rushed to aid the injured man, who was in an unconscious state.

He picked up the injured man and took him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was admitted for emergency treatment.

However, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the motorcar but results reflected that the young man was not driving under the influence of alcohol at the

time of the accident.

He is presently in Police custody assisting with investigations.

On January 10, 79-yearold Francis Lopes of 154 Seventh Street North, Enmore, ECD, met his demise after he was crushed by a motor lorry on the Enmore Railway Embankment Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It was reported that on the day in question at about 12:35h, the lorry was proceeding along the Enmore Railway Embankment Road when the driver stopped to make a purchase at a roadside snackette.

The driver allegedly told investigators that on completion of his purchase, he

re-entered the truck and checked to see that the road was clear before driving off.

He reportedly stated that he saw nothing and as he as driving off, he felt an impact on the rear wheel.

The driver reportedly stopped the vehicle and exited to ascertain what had happened. That was when he discovered the pedal cyclist’s lifeless body on the roadway.

According to information, Lopes’ skull had been crushed and there were other visible injuries to his body.

It is alleged that Lopes had been riding out of a nearby yard onto the public road when he met his demise.

Dead: Lennox Collette

Elderly man allegedly beaten by son’s employer over stolen money

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Ramsahoye Deochan at GPHC

eventy-two-year-old Ramsahoye Deochan is now hospitalised following a brutal beating he received at the hands of his son’s employer over stolen money. The beating reportedly occurred on Sunday morning at his

Strathspey, East Coast Demerara home.

According to reports received, the elderly man’s son, while being employed at a business in Strathspey, ECD reportedly stole an undisclosed sum of money and a gold chain belonging to

the owner. He was, however, confronted by the boss and others during which he was severely beaten. Ever since, he has gone into hiding, leaving his father at the mercy of the men.

Randy Deochan, the injured man’s grandson, when contacted on Sunday explained that at about 02:00h on the day in question, he received a telephone call informing him that someone had broken into his grandfather’s house, and was destroying everything in the top and bottom flat.

Upon arriving at the scene, he learnt that it was the business owner, his son and three other men who came in search of his uncle, who remains in hiding.

“The owner of deals of electronics accused Rovin [uncle] of stealing cash and a gold chain. They caught him and beat him and while collecting the beating, he managed to escape. The owner, his cousin and a friend along with the youngest son went and damage everything in the house. Break all the win-

Some of Dechan’s injuries

dows everything”, he explained.

He further added, “I was told that the friend along with the small son did the beating and breaking upstairs while the owner and his cousin did the breaking up downstairs. The black

and blue on my grandfather’s belly and leg is from the beating he received from a mop stick. His wife saying that they used an amplifier to hit him in his head”.

The elderly man is said to be partially disabled,

since he had a stroke which has left the right side of his body paralysed.

“He has stroke on the right side of his body which makes him somewhat handicap because he can hardly move. He now has head injuries; the nurse is saying it is caused from being beaten in the head with an amplifier… I can’t see how they could beat a man in this condition,” the angry grandson related.

Meanwhile, the family said they made several reports to the police but their complaints are been ignored.

“When I return, I carried the son and daughter-in-law that was downstairs to make their report and give statements but the police at Vigilance just tell them to go home, that a report already made. They told the police that the owner of the store is home.

The patrol vehicle did show up but just drove pass slowly in front the store without even stopping.”

Attempts to contact the Commander for a comment proved futile.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New wave of wealth, prosperity for Region 10 – Irfaan Ali ...outlines PPP/C’s strategy to move region forward

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali

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eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) P r e s i d e n t i a l Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday addressed the issue of creation of new wealth and a new wave of prosperity for the people of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) before hundreds of supporters at the Lieu Ken Pen Square in Linden on Sunday.

Outlining the PPP/C’s strategy to move the region forward, Ali emphasised that his party has already delivered to the people of the region and can stand up to its track record. He said Region 10 has stood still since the current Government took office in 2015. He said under a PPP/C Government the region will once again move forward.

Ali stressed that it is time for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to be held accountable and answer for its stewardship in Government.

In outlining the party’s vision for the future of the region, he spoke of a strategic development strategy.

“I want you to understand that in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, we have a plan that will take you to prosperity. We have a plan that will ensure you benefit from the development pie of our country,” Ali said.

He then asked Lindeners to examine and evaluate the issues they currently face within their lives and their communities and to ask themselves if their lives are better off as of 2015. This was met with an assertive “no” from hundreds of persons in the audience. The response was the same as the Presidential Candidate asked if Government has added a single new house lot, health centre, or scholarship programme to the region since it came into power.

“Let us be clear that since 2015, Region 10 stood still,”

Ali said.

He also pointed to the 30,000 jobs lost countrywide within the past five years as well as the $10,000 cash grant for students, which he noted was snatched away by the Government.

He promised that the PPP/C will restore and increase the grant to $50,000 per child and create 50,000 jobs, from which the region will also benefit.

Oil and gas

Ali outlined that in the PPP/C manifesto, there is a clear strategy pertaining to how oil and gas will benefit the people of the country.

“You have heard a lot about oil and gas. They come and it’s the only thing they talk about, but have you received any training as yet to work in this sector? Have they brought to you a plan as to how Region 10 will benefit from oil and gas? Have they outlined to you a strategy of how your lives will be improved? No, because they don’t have one...We have to ensure we invest in Human Resources by giving you the necessary skills...by ensuring we equip the technical institute to function in the new economy and provide the training that is relevant to give you the job opportunities in the oil and gas sector and the new economy,” Ali said.

He noted further that the development of the region has to be linked with the holistic development of the country. Ali added that the strategy will ensure that the people are equipped to be part of the future of the country in not only job creation but through entrepreneurship so that they can build companies which will benefit from the spin-off of the oil sector.

“Here in Region 10, there will be many opportunities in the logistics sector. There will be opportunities in ship-

ping, containerised traffic, we will create a hub facility here in Region 10 that will generate thousands of new jobs – a new economic life, bringing new wealth and a new wave of prosperity for the people of Region 10,” Ali said.

He then urged citizens to evaluate the plans and make a decision on March 2 that is in the best interest of their families and community. He said it is necessary to ensure that resources work to enhance village and community life and economy as well as to give greater access to micro credit and other sectors of the economy.

Agriculture

Ali also outlined a strategy for agriculture, which he noted will reduce the cost of production, enhance yield and improve profitability. He said the strategy will also ensure new markets are penetrated and make farming and agriculture viable in Region 10.

“To do this, we have to give you access to land... proper infrastructure, farm to market access roads, we have to support you in getting markets...with technical training, with financial help, with revolving fund so that

70 community forestry organisations, of which 25 were from Region 10 alone.

In reflecting on the party’s legacy in the region, he said it had issued more than 600,000 acres of State forests directly to the communities and people of Region 10 in ensuring fair and equitable distribution and access to State forest lands. It also provided support through micro credit, farming equipment was provided to communities and a kiln drying facility built in Linden to assist loggers in ensuring the move to value-added, Ali said. He noted that the party had also set up four new stations at Hururu, Soesdyke, Linden and Kwakwani.

“Five years later, the markets have dried up, the Investments have dried up... the infrastructure to help the community forestry organisations are no longer there. But on March the 2nd, we are going to return to [the] help of the forestry sector by returning the PPP/C to Government,” he posited.

Heart-wrenching

In reflecting, Ali said it was heart-wrenching to visit Ituni and see the people with placards asking for help to feed and send their

PPP/C supporters

you can go to the farmlands.

We have to help you with the tools and equipment that will make farming productive and we have to link this to the history of food security, not only for Region 10 but food security for the rest of Caricom...This is the approach that will ensure that farming is sustainable, that would ensure that farming is profitable, that would ensure that farming works for the people.”

Mining and forestry

Ali stressed that the PPP now has to fix the “mess” in mining and forestry, noting that when the party left Government in 2015, it left

children to school. These people, he noted, were enjoying economic prosperity five years ago from a forestry sector which was working for them and creating wealth for the community. As such, Ali encouraged all to vote to restore 10,000 jobs lost in this sector.

“We are not only going to return the help to those community forestry organisations...we’re going to give you back the support with equipment, training, land, resources, we’re going to put back the forestry sector on its feet again. We are going to give incentives to bring back investments to create expansion. We’re going to

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) PM Candidate Mark Phillips

promote new species, we’re going to promote the Private Sector to enhance their role and development in the expansion of the sector and we’re going to promote and enhance the value chain.

We’re going to ensure that the forestry sector delivers to you and your communities once again directly and indirectly right here in Region 10”, he outlined.

Ali pointed to the many jobs which he claimed were lost in the mining sector resulting in many from Linden suffering as a result as he noted that the PPP will work to restore these jobs.

“We must reject those who brought the suffering on you. We must reject the APNU/AFC”, he stated.

Additionally, Ali shared that under a PPP/C Government there will be the removal of taxes and bad policies in mining and a reversion to the two per cent royalty as well as to implement a fairer system. He pointed to a fairer system of allocation in the best interest of the people and miners with the intention of expanding infrastructure as well as to set aside $2 billion annually for the support of hinterland road networks.

He further outlined plans to protect community life, strike the right balance between workers interest and Private Sector investment as well as working to ensure that pension is doubled. He related that pensioners in the Berbice River had complained of difficulties in travelling to receive their pension, noting that this will be fixed by the PPP.

School programme

He further outlined plans for a nutritional school feeding programme which he explained will be linked to agriculture development. The strategy, Ali pointed out, will ensure children in the Berbice River have equal access in getting to school.

Persons will no longer have to travel to Georgetown to attend University with the

Information Communication Technology (ICT) strategy which the party has plans to implement. The strategy will also see 20,000 new scholarships being handed out, Ali said. He also highlighted that the party has plans to expand the services at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) as he noted that those in the Berbice River will not be denied health services.

Ali said the PPP/C will build capacity to ensure all will benefit.

Support for PPP/C

Meanwhile, Prime Ministerial Candidate Mark Phillips, who is a Lindener, in his remarks said he has never forgotten his community. He noted that he has made a promise that he will walk in a different community in Linden every week.

Phillips urged the audience to put their ‘X’ next to the Cup in support of the PPP/C on March 2. He said based on talks with the people, some supporters in Linden are intimidated by the APNU but still show their support for the PPP/C. In reminiscing, he said the PPP/C had a plan to spend much money in the Linden community as he highlighted numerous programmes which were executed by the party, including the Mackenzie Hospital (now LHC) amongst others, Linden Foundation Secondary and One Mile Primary Schools amongst others. Also included in Phillips’s highlights were repairs to the Burnham Drive road and other developmental projects “The PPP/C must be judged by its track record.

We have moved Linden from a desolate location before 1992 to a thriving community. We have spent 22 billion dollars to give you electricity in Linden. We spent billions on the schools, billions in the health centres, billions on all aspects of education for the people in Linden...the people want back the PPP/C,” Phillips noted.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from PPP/C Linden rally

14 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil gives public glimpse into “first oil” at Giftland Mall Energy Tunnel

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xxonMobil Guyana continued its public engagements with an “Energy Tunnel” at the Giftland Mall, Lilendaal, Greater Georgetown, over the weekend.

The event, the first of a series of public engagement events planned for 2020, provides attendees with information about “first oil” and other aspects of the company’s operations here in Guyana. There are three other “Energy Tunnel” events scheduled for this year.

For ExxonMobil, public engagement plays a critical part in its operations in Guyana. Events such as the Energy Tunnels and roadshows are geared at providing project updates to

Exxon's Energy Tunnel at Giftland Mall on Saturday

key stakeholders such as Government agencies, civil society groups and contractors as well as opportunities to engage in a two-way dialogue.

ExxonMobil also hosts open houses, and its employees regularly engage with lo-

cal schools, universities and other groups and with the media.

“We want to ensure Guyanese are updated on all aspects of our operations,” said Senior Director for Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe.

“Engagements such as the Energy Tunnel and the roadshow provide the opportunity for the public to ask questions and get more information on all aspects of our operations. We recog-

nise that our main activities are taking place 120 miles offshore, so we’ve decided to bring our experts and [an] overview of our operations to the people.”

In 2019, the company

staged two Energy Tunnels and roadshows over a twomonth period for more than 40 groups including a variety of different Government agencies, the Mayor and City Council, University of Guyana, Guyana National Youth Council, Come Alive Network and National Toshaos Council.

In addition, ExxonMobil held more than 700 engagements, reaching more than eight thousand people in 2019.

These types of engagements will continue throughout this year as ExxonMobil seeks to keep Guyanese informed about their operations.

Abrams Creek Primary GPF can detect misconduct gets ICT labs, library of ranks through EIS

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Former Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Strategic Management Department (SMD), Patrick Mentore

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n light of a series of reported Police misconduct in the public domain, former Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Strategic Management Department (SMD), Patrick Mentore believes the introduction of the Early Intervention System (EIS) will assist to remedy this situation.

Mentore explained that the system will detect ranks whose conduct is unbecoming thus creating a problem which will ultimately affect the quality of their performance.

An Early Intervention System (formerly known as an early warning system) is a data-based Police management tool designed to identify officers whose behaviour is problematic, and provide some form of intervention to avoid or correct misbehaviour.

Mentore noted that the Guyana Police Force should try the system since it is being used in the United States of America and other first world countries.

“This is what is happening all over the place. When things are not tried is simply because people are not fully convinced that it can work and when people are not convinced of something can work, they don’t have

the commitment to try,” he outlined.

Furthermore, Mentore noted that Commissioner of Police, Leslie James along with other policymakers can use the tools provided to them including policy formulation to tackle this issue.

While referencing that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) uses a similar methodology and was able to identify 62 deputies who were responsible for the initiation of almost 500 use-offorce/harassment complaint investigations.

“People from at the policy-making level ought to be exposed to ramification of introducing such a system.”

Moreover, the Head added that understanding the staff and ensuring that they are executing their duties in a professional manner is a key component of eradicating misconduct in Guyana.

“Unless you marry efficiency with more than great service to Police welfare you are going to get problem.

You got to marry your expectation with professionalism, you got to look and see what resources are to support your expectation and then you got to also marry all of that with some serious consideration with Police

Akshay Budhairam

welfare.”

“You need to understand what are, for example, the prevailing ailment that is affecting policemen and women,” Mentore explained.

The latest Police misconduct was back in December 2019 when two policemen, who are brothers, reportedly forced Akshay Budhairam of Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD), into a car and took him to their La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD home where they assaulted him.

The two brothers accused the young man of breaking into their home and stealing a phone and a video game.

According to reports, the teenager was severely beaten by the cops. They even poured hot water on his body.

Meanwhile, as they were transporting the teen to another location, Budhairam managed to escape. The teen recalled the horrific six hours of torture he endured before managing to make a daring escape.

Budhairam said that during the ordeal, he thought he was going to die.

The police officers, Isaiah Bernard Daniel Bernard, were released on $200,000 bail each when the matter was called in court.

tudents of Abrams Creek Primary School located at PomeroonSupenaam (Region Two) recently benefited from two ICT labs and a library, complements of Pomeroon Trading.

According to reports, the project was coordinated and funded by the coconut oil company.

The company is known for its dynamic social outreach projects in the community, with previous programmes which include the building of a dining room for Hackney Primary School, and the organising of training and seminars for women of Pomeroon.

Addressing the gathering, Tana Yussuff, Pomeroon Trading’s Community Development Coordinator said that the team set out last year to develop a community of readers in Pomeroon.

However, she was elated to relate that the ICT labs will inspire the next genera-

Students of Abrams Creek Primary School at the blessing ceremony

nership. The Region Two Department of Education, the Guyana Energy Agency and the Telecommunications Ministry are the public agencies that supported the project.

Students of Abrams Creek Primary School already taking advantage of the computer centre

tion to develop their technology skills.

This publication understands that the project was conceived out of a private and public sector part-

The company, however, unfolded that the Guyana Energy Agency offered its support through the installation of a photovoltaic system and the Ministry of Telecommunications provid-

ed an ICT Hub. Jared Kissoon, Pomeroon’s Chief Operating Officer for the Caribbean said that every child should be entitled to the same educational opportunities in Guyana regardless of location. A key component of this is access to books and the Internet.

“At Pomeroon Trading, we consider community service to be central to our vision and operations. We look forward to growing alongside the community in the Pomeroon”, he said.

Meanwhile, Netram Doobay, an officer from the Department of Education, Region Two, welcomed the initiative with open arms.

Teachers and students of the school were urged to read more and make full use of the computers and the internet facility since young minds need to grow and develop in this fast-changing technological world.

During the blessing ceremony, guests were entertained with songs and poems performed by the students.

The curtains later came down with Abrams Creek’s Grade Five pupil, Kassandra Edwards expressing thanks to the team for their donation.

NEWS

15

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC candidates admit promises remain unfulfilled …Rome wasn’t built in a day – Volda Lawrence

Lawrence, in introducing the final speaker alluded to a “young” Minister.

In fact, she was introducing Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who, in taking the stage, encouraged supporters to vote for Government based on the promises they did keep.

“We ensured that Local Government Elections were held, in keeping with our promise. Local Government Elections were held for the second time in 2018. What does this do? It ensures that people, wherever they live, have the right to elect candidates within their own areas who would have responsibility to manage and develop their communities.”

APNU/AFC national candidate Nicola Trotman

A

Partnership For National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) held a public meeting with supporters in the Kitty Market Square, Georgetown, on Sunday evening where they urged supporters to give them another chance despite the admittance of unfulfilled manifesto promises.

Addressing the gathering, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence admitted that there is still much to be done on the part of the Government. As she told the gathering of coalition supporters, however, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.

Lawrence urged persons to go on and vote on Elections Day – March 2.

According to her, it was important that persons not only check to ensure their

names are on the list; persons must also know how to vote on Election Day. “I don’t want all them spoil votes like the last time. Remember, you have to vote once! We have to ensure that we bring everyone out to vote,” Lawrence stressed, adding also that scrutineers must also be vigilant.

Meanwhile, AFC member and APNU/AFC candidate Nicola Trotman also acknowledged that there is much left to be done. She noted in her address that the Government did make certain promises that were not followed through.

“The coalition Government made promises. Not all of them bore fruit. But we beg you to have tolerance with us.

However, we have given you a better life. We have

increased public servants’ salary…and old age pension to $20,000. So you got a better life!” she stressed.

Meanwhile, Minister

Promises

A broken promise of APNU/AFC that was alluded to by the People’s

Progressive Party (PPP) only Saturday in Anna Regina was a promise to establish a rice stabilisation fund. The establishment of a rice stabilisation fund would ensure that farmers are protected from price swings on a volatile global market.

Back in 2016 during an address to Parliament, President David Granger himself made a commitment to have it established.

Fast forward to 2020 and it is one of several promises that the PPP has highlighted remain unfulfilled, alongside the promise to put systems in place to allow farmers to earn $9000 per bag of paddy.

Another promise was to provide jobs. However, the PPP has consistently taken the Government to task for doing the exact opposite, pointing to the thousands of sugar workers that have

A scene from the meeting in Kitty

been dismissed in the sugar belt as the Government sought to downsize sugar by shutting estates against the advice of its own inquiry.

Other promises include providing housing and eradicating blackouts.

Blackouts remain a distressing issue for certain parts of the country, while the distribution of house lots has reduced significantly since the change of Government in 2015 despite the fact that the demand has not decreased.

This is evident in the 2017 Annual Report of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) which was recently laid in the National Assembly.

The report shows that a total of only 1131 house lots were allocated in that year for qualified applicants.

This does not compare favourably with the previous year, which, according to the report, 2020 house lots were allocated in 2016, an improvement on its original target of 1100. This includes 625 low to moderate-income house lots and 1395 middle to high-income house lots.

But both of these years’ figures pale in comparison to the number of house lots distributed in previous years under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. In the CH&PA’s 2013 Annual Report, its programme performance assessment had indicated that 4417 house lots were allocated, just shy of the 5900 target.

Berbicians bring their A game to Talent Fiesta auditions

W

ith their mesmerising performances at the Talent Fiesta auditions, the Berbician participants will be a force to reckon with at the Golden Jubilee Youth Village slated for January 24-25 at D’Urban Park, Georgetown.

The tryouts were conducted at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School on Saturday. The event sought to provide diverse local people in the region with an opportunity for a platform to showcase their talents in order to be selected to perform at the mega event.

Youth Village Coordinator and Senior Research, Planning and Development Officer attached to the Department of Youth, Aditi DeJesus told the Department of Public Information (DPI), the auditions were very entertaining and a success.

The judges saw 15 performances in the categories of musical renditions, dance, spoken word, and dramatic pieces by individuals and groups. The acts will ultimately be judged based on originality, creativity, presentation, skills, costume, patriotic message and enter-

Dancers from the ANBAL troupe going through their paces Tony Carter delivering his energetic Soca piece

tainment value among other criteria.

“We are looking for pieces that will encourage and inspire young persons who have talent to come out and to be confident, to showcase their talents. We are also looking for pieces that will entertain and energise the audience.

Music or dance that will inspire the theme for the 50th Jubilee, in terms of reflect,

celebrate, transform together so anything that can promote positive vibes as it relates to celebrating our achievements as a country, reflecting on the past and see where we have come from and what we can do to transform the country,” DeJesus explained.

Lawrence Cliff,19, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, performed an original song titled “Obey”.

He told DPI his music promoted positivity among youths. Cliff is hoping to be able to perform at the Youth Fest as he believes his message of obedience to parents and elders will resonate well with youths across the country.

The B3 dance group also had the audience and judges enthralled with their compilation of various dance styles that incorporated various genres of music.

Ronetta Cort brilliantly

serenaded those present. Her rich voice echoed through the auditorium as she sung Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up”.

Tony Carter also brought the vibes and had the audience tapping their feet to his energetic Soca performance.

Jose Angel’s Hip-Hop performance was dubbed “outstanding” as he showcased his impressive moves. The ANBAL Dance Group and the Mission Chapel LifeChanging Ministry dancers also delivered in their

well-coordinated costumes.

Their impeccable choreography which was displayed in unison captivated the audience.

The performances on Saturday in the Ancient County concluded the third round of auditions that commenced January 10 at the Umana Yana and continued on January 17 at Lichas Hall in Linden. Those selected will perform at the Youth Village Talent Fest in Georgetown.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

Regional

Venezuela crisis: Juan Guaidó defies travel ban for meeting in Colombia

V

enezuela's Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó has travelled to Colombia for a counter-terrorism meeting, the second time he defies a travel ban imposed by the pro-Government Supreme Court.

He is expected to meet the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo in Bogotá today. The US and more than 50 countries recognise Guaidó as Venezuela's rightful leader.

President Nicolás Maduro accuses the US of orchestrating a coup to oust him.

But in an interview, he seemed to open the door for direct talks with the US. Speaking to the Washington Post, Maduro said: "If there's respect between governments, no matter how big the US is, and

It is the second time Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó has defied a court-imposed travel ban

if there's a dialogue, an exchange of truthful information, then be sure we can create a new type of relationship."

Maduro and Guaidó

have been at loggerheads for more than a year, after Guaidó – head of the National Assembly – declared himself interim president, claiming Maduro's

re-election in 2018 was fraudulent.

Despite international pressure and US sanctions on the crucial oil sector, Maduro has managed to stay in power supported by Russia, Cuba and a handful of other countries as well as the powerful Venezuelan military.

On Twitter, Guaidó confirmed he had arrived in Colombia, where he would hold talks with President Iván Duque. However, he did not publicly confirm a meeting with US Secretary of State Pompeo, which has been widely reported by US media.

The meeting will be attended by Foreign Ministers of several Latin American nations. Most of them back Guaidó. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Paraguay investigates mass prison escape in Pedro Juan Caballero

S

eventy-five prisoners have escaped from a jail in eastern Paraguay near the border with Brazil, officials say.

Authorities suspect many were allowed to walk free through the main gate by jail guards.

A tunnel has been discovered but officials say this could be a cover-up for the operation.

Dozens of those who es-

caped belong to Brazil's largest organised criminal gang, the First Command of the Capital (PPC).

The São Paulo-based group has almost 30,000 members and is involved in drug and arms trafficking. It operates across Brazil and in neighbouring Paraguay, Bolivia and Colombia.

After inspecting the prison complex in the eastern city of Pedro Juan Caballero

on Sunday, Police discovered that the entire block housing PCC members was empty. In one of the cells, they found some 200 sandbags.

One prisoner was captured as he tried to escape through the tunnel.

Interior Minister Euclides Acevedo said it was clear that prison officials were involved.

"We found the tunnel and believe that it was a cov-

er-up to legitimise or hide the release of the prisoners.

There was complicity with people" at the jail, he said in a statement.

He added that intelligence information suggested that the prisoners had been allowed to escape in smaller groups in the last few days and that this happened as the jail director was on annual leave. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Barbados PM warns of attempts to divide the Caribbean

B

arbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has warned of the attempt to divide the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping as some regional leaders get ready to meet with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Tuesday.

Addressing a gala to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the late Barbados Prime Minister and regional integrationist Errol W Barrow Saturday night, Mottley said she was conscious that in the next week questions would be asked as to whether the Barbados Foreign Minister “happened to be missing in a meeting in Kingston in Jamaica that will take

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

place on Tuesday”.

“We don’t look to pick fights. I don’t look to pick fights, but I am conscious that if this country does not stand for something then

it will fall for anything. As Chairman of Caricom, it is impossible for me to agree that my foreign minister should attend a meeting with anyone to which mem-

bers of Caricom are not invited. If some are invited and not all, then it is an attempt to divide this region,” Mottley told the ceremony.

Earlier this week Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said Pompeo’s two-day working visit, which begins on January 21, is a commitment to strengthen relations with the Caribbean.

Local newspapers said Pompeo is also due to meet with several Caribbean leaders, but a Caricom source told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the regional grouping had not been formally invited to participate in the discussions during Pompeo’s visit. (Excerpt from CMC)

4 dead after accident in Trelawny, Jamaica

F

our people have been confirmed dead while another is battling for life in hospital, following a two-vehicle collision on the north coast highway in the vicinity of Hague, Trelawny.

The accident, which in-

volved a motor car and a bus, reportedly occurred about 10:00h Sunday morning.

According to people claiming to be eyewitnesses, the car was travelling in the direction of Montego

Bay when the driver reportedly overtook a line of vehicles, lost control of the car, and slammed into the bus which was travelling in the opposite direction.

Three of the occupants of the car reportedly died

on the spot, while the other died while undergoing treatment at hospital.

At least two of the occupants of the bus reportedly sustained injuries. (Jamaica Observer)

Migrant caravan gathers on Guatemala border to enter Mexico en masse

Migrants from Central America, part of a caravan travelling to the US, wait to cross into Mexico at the border between Guatemala and Mexico, in El Ceibo, Guatemala, January 18, 2020

H

undreds of Central Americans gathered on the GuatemalaMexico border on Sunday, aiming to cross en masse early today in what could prove a stiff test of the Mexican Government’s pledge to satisfy US demands to curb migrant flows.

President Donald Trump has threatened to hurt Mexico and Central American countries economically if they allow large numbers to reach the US border. US border agents have tracked the latest exodus from Honduras this week.

Small groups of migrants crossed the bridge from Tecun Uman, Guatemala, to Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, on Saturday after Mexican National Guardsmen repelled an attempt by some of the Central Americans to force their way through the border gates.

Afterwards, most of the migrants withdrew to Tecun Uman to await the arrival of more travellers behind them in the hope they stand a bet-

ter chance of progressing in one caravan.

“We’ve been getting organised,” said Jose Luis Cruz, a 33-year-old autoworker from Comayagua, Honduras, who left behind a wife and two children in a bid to reach the United States.

Cruz said migrants waiting in Tecun Uman wanted to try and enter Mexico en masse at around 05:00h hoping that authorities would let them pass to avoid clashes.

“If we cross alone, they’ll get us, and all the sacrifices we’ve made to get here will have been in vain,” he added.

G u a t e m a l a ’ s Government says at least 4000 people have entered from Honduras since Wednesday, making for one of the biggest surges since three Central American Governments signed agreements with the Trump Administration obliging them to assume more of the responsibility of dealing with migrants. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“Smooth” voting in Tobago PNM Council election

T

obago Council of the People's National Movement Supervisory Election Committee Chairman Alvin Pascal says voting in the council's election got off to a "smooth" and "steady" start Sunday.

"So far, the process is smooth. We are only hearing about a few issues," he told Guardian Media.

He continued: "You are hearing about peoples' names, not on the list. or they did forget to walk with identification cards, and wherever this happens, we have found a solution."

Asked about the accuracy of the list, he said the election's supervisory council is working with a list generated by the council's office.

"All the candidates in this election were responsible for putting the list together. We on the committee had nothing to do with it. I want the public to understand that clearly."

Asked whether persons can vote at more than one polling station, he said, "It's hardly likely."

"The voter's name is on a general list to vote in a specific area. You can only vote in the area where you are registered."

Meanwhile, all the persons contesting the post for the council's political leadership have already voted.

The incumbent Kelvin Charles voted at the Bethesda Multipurpose Facility; Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus – Signal Hill Community Centre; Joel Jack – John Dial Multipurpose Facility and Tracy Davidson-Celestine in Argyle Community Centre.

According to the Tobago Council, more than 10,000 persons are registered to vote in its internal elections at 13 polling stations across the island. The polls opened at 08:00h and will close at 06:00h. (Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

17

Around the World

China to step up countermeasures Isabel dos Santos: Africa’s richest as virus outbreak grows woman ‘ripped off Angola’

C

hina will step up efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays as a rise in confirmed cases fanned fears the virus could spread to other countries.

The National Health Commission said on Sunday departments should work together to carry out preventative measures.

Wuhan’s health authority confirmed earlier on Sunday 17 more cases of the virus in the city, bringing the total number of known patients there to 62.

Two people have died from the virus in Wuhan, the largest city in central China with a population of about 11 million people. Three cases have been confirmed abroad - two in Thailand and one in Japan involving people from Wuhan or who recently visited the city.

China, the World Health

L

Tourists line up in a health control at the arrival section at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, January 19, 2020

Organisations and authorities across the globe are stepping up efforts to contain the virus, which initially emerged in Wuhan in late December as a wave of pneumonia patients.

The virus belongs in the same family of coronaviruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China.

Though some experts say the new virus may not be as

deadly as SARS, there is still little known about it including its origin and how easily it can be transmitted between humans.

A report by the London Imperial College’s MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis said there are likely to be “substantially more cases”. It estimated that

by Jan 12 there were 1723 cases in Wuhan City with onset of related symptoms. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jordan Parliament passes draft law to ban gas imports from Israel

T

he Parliament of Jordan has approved a draft law to ban imports of Israeli gas just days after they started under a multibillion-dollar deal struck in 2016 that is opposed by much of the population.

The motion was unanimously passed on Sunday by Jordan’s 130 legislators and will be referred to the Cabinet to be made law, although legal hurdles may prevent it from coming into force.

The Government previously said it was a deal between companies rather than a political matter.

The $10 billion supply deal was originally struck between Jordan’s state-owned utility and a US-Israeli consortium led by Texas-based Noble Energy to provide gas to the country’s power plants for electricity generation.

It was not referred to Parliament for approval.

Although United

C

Isabel dos Santos

been given access to more than 700,000 leaked documents about the billionaire’s business empire.

Most were obtained by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa and shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

They’ve been investigated by 37 media organisations including The Guardian and Portugal’s Expresso newspaper.

Andrew Feinstein, the head of Corruption Watch,

said the documents show how Dos Santos exploited her country at the expense of ordinary Angolans.

“Every time she appears on the cover of some glossy magazine somewhere in the world, every time that she hosts one of her glamorous parties in the south of France, she is doing so by trampling on the aspirations of the citizens of Angola.”

The ICIJ has called the documents The Luanda Leaks. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Yemen war: At least 80 soldiers killed in missile attack

A Demonstrators hold Jordanian flags during a protest against the deal to import natural gas from Israel [Muhammad Hamed/ Reuters]

States ally Jordan has a peace treaty with Israel, the deal - which supplies Jordan for 15 years - has faced much popular opposition, with legislators arguing it makes the kingdom dependent on its neighbour for energy.

Many Jordanians are also descendants of Palestinians who moved to the country after the creation of Israel in 1948, and view Israel as an erstwhile enemy that ex-

pelled their ancestors from their homes.

A source in the Israeli energy industry, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The gas agreement between Jordanian National Electric Power Company and American-based Noble Energy is being implemented from early January 2020, and no change is expected in that regard.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Libya summit: Participants agree to respect arms embargo ountries with interests in Libya’s long-running conflict agreed to provide no further military support to the warring parties while a ceasefire lasts.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the announcement at Sunday’s peace summit in Berlin after about four hours of talks at the chancellery.

Leaders of Libya’s warring sides and foreign powers met on ways to end the long-running conflict in the oil-rich North African country.

The Head of Tripoli’s internationally recognised Government, Fayez al-Sarraj, and his rival, renegade

eaked documents reveal how Africa’s richest woman made her fortune through exploiting her own country, and corruption.

Isabel dos Santos got access to lucrative deals involving land, oil, diamonds and telecoms when her father was President of Angola, a southern African country rich in natural resources.

The documents show how she and her husband were allowed to buy valuable state assets in a series of suspicious deals.

Dos Santos said the allegations against her are entirely false and that there is a politically motivated witch-hunt by the Angolan Government.

The former President’s daughter has made the UK her home and owns expensive properties in central London.

She is already under criminal investigation by the authorities in Angola for corruption and her assets in the country have been frozen.

Now BBC Panorama has

military commander Khalifa Haftar, attended the UNbacked gathering in the German capital, the first such event since 2018.

Haftar must end his aggressive stance to pave the way for a political process, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the summit.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday hit out against foreign troop deployments in war-ravaged Libya, saying such intervention only serves to fuel the conflict.

Also in Berlin were Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, British Prime Minister

Boris Johnson, and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Other countries invited were the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, China and the Republic of Congo.

Leaders from the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the Arab League also attended.

Merkel previously said enforcing a UN arms embargo on Libya would be a priority at the summit attended by the leading parties in Libya’s war, as well as representatives from their foreign backers and other nations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

missile attack on a military training camp in Yemen has killed at least 80 soldiers.

Dozens of others were wounded in the strike in the central province of Marib on Saturday, officials said.

The camp, about 170km (105 miles) east of the capital, Sanaa, targeted a mosque as people gathered for prayer, military sources told Reuters.

Yemen’s Government has blamed Houthi rebels for the attack, but there has been no claim of responsibility.

Officials said they expected the death toll to rise.

Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi condemned the “cowardly” attack in a statement carried by Saba, a state news agency.

The attack “confirms without doubt that the Houthis have no desire for peace”, Hadi was quoted as saying.

In August last year, Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on a Yemen Government forces military parade in the southern port city of Aden, killing at least 32 people.

Yemen has been devastated by a conflict that escalated in March 2015, when

Houthi rebels seized control of much of the west of the country and forced President Hadi to flee abroad.

Alarmed by the rise of a group they believed to be backed militarily by regional Shia Muslim power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Muslim Arab states began an air campaign aimed at restoring Hadi’s Government.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis by the UN. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Storm Gloria batters Spain with high winds and snowfall

P

owerful Storm Gloria lashed parts of Spain on Sunday with high winds, heavy rain and snow, forcing the closure of Alicante airport and killing one man in the northern region of Asturias.

Gloria was set to intensify overnight and persist at least until Tuesday, with Valencia and the Balearic Islands bearing the brunt, according to the Aemet national weather agency.

Aemet declared a red alert across 10 provinces in expectation of winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour (80 mph), seven-metre (22-foot) waves and heavy snowfall.

Airport operator Aena SA said it was forced to close

People walk past a huge sand shaft built to protect the Arenal Beach ahead of the upcoming storm “Gloria”, in Javea near Alicante, Spain, January 19, 2020

Alicante airport for 24 hours from 1200 GMT (7:00 am EST), disrupting nearly 200 flights.

Gloria also brought snowstorms across the north of the country. In Asturias a man was killed after being hit by a vehicle on a snowbound road, a spokeswoman for the emer-

gency services said. Local media reported he was struck while fitting chains to his car.

In Barcelona, authorities warned people to stay away from beaches to avoid being swept away by the surf.

Public parks were closed across Madrid. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

PEANUTS

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

Discuss your feelings and plans with someone special. Consider what will bring you the most happiness and how to eliminate past regrets while taking a leap forward.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Take control and put an end to situations that aren’t working for you. It’s out with the old and in with the new.

Reflect, revise and move on to better times.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Try something new, pursue knowledge and look for beneficial maneuvers that will help you build a better future.

Traveling, relocating or adding to your skills and qualifications is encouraged.

Resolve pending personal issues. Truth hurts, but dishonesty will result in added stress that will complicate your life. Erase any emotional or financial debt, but don’t offer to pay for someone else’s mistakes.

You’ll be the go-to person today, the one who others want to be around. Your input, clarity and vision will be in demand. Pursue your goals by using sweet talk to get your way.

You will be inspired by new experiences that are likely to make your life better. Don’t look back when there is so much to learn as you move forward.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Spend time with the people who appreciate you. Places where you feel welcome, safe and motivated to follow your dreams should be sought out.

Do whatever will bring you the greatest joy.

SCORPIO

Resolve issues, make deals or tie up whatever you’ve left undone. Take a trip to visit someone if it will strengthen the relationship.

Stick to a set budget.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Size up a situation and SAGITTARIUS seize the moment. Use in(Nov. 23telligence to help you make Dec. 21) quick decisions that will encourage advancement. Show passion in all that you do.

Choose peace over discord.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR SATURDAY’S PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

If you want to make a lasting impression, just be yourself. Feeling that you must put on a facade for someone should make you reconsider the connection.

Use your intelligence and experience to keep heading in a practical and meaningful direction. Keep your emotions out of your conversations and avoid controversial topics and people who don’t share your beliefs.

Reconnect with the past and tidy up loose ends before you forge ahead. Evaluate relationships and distance yourself from people who are too demanding or lean on you too much.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

19

NBA round-up:

L

LeBron double leads Lakers past Rockets

eBron James produced his 31st double-double, Kyle Kuzma chipped in 23 points and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers turned a third-quarter defensive clinic into a 124-115 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday.

The Lakers delivered an efficient offensive display without their leading scorer, Anthony Davis, by following James’ lead. James paired a team-high 31 points with a gamehigh 12 assists to steward the Lakers.

Their defensive might turned the tide in the third, which they won 32-17.

JaVale McGee and former Rockets center Dwight Howard recorded three blocks each, while Danny Green had four steals. The Lakers posted 13 steals and nine blocks while limiting the Rockets to 12-for37 shooting from behind the arc.

R u s s e l l Westbrook (35 points, nine rebounds, seven assists) and James Harden (34 points, seven assists) paced the Rockets, who have dropped three straight and four of five. Houston committed 20 turnovers.

Phoenix Suns 123 Boston Celtics 119 Devin Booker scored 39 points and fell an assist shy of his first career triple-double as visiting Phoenix held off undermanned Boston.

Booker added 10 rebounds, Deandre Ayton had 26 points and 15 boards and Mikal Bridges scored a career-high 26, as the Suns won for the fourth time in their last five. Dario Saric scored 13 with 11 rebounds and five assists.

Marcus Smart scored a careerhigh 37 points on a team-recordsetting 11 3-pointers, but the Celtics fell for the sixth time in their last eight. Jayson Tatum scored 26 with 10 rebounds, and Gordon Hayward had 22 points, seven boards and seven assists. Boston played without starters Kemba Walker (left knee) and Jaylen Brown (thumb sprain).

Los Angeles Clippers 133 New Orleans Pelicans 130 Kawhi Leonard scored 39 points, and Lou Williams had 32 as visiting Los Angeles defeated New Orleans in Leonard’s fifth consecutive game with more than 30 points in the absence of second-leading scorer Paul George.

Despite being with George because of a hamstring injury, the Clippers had plenty of help. Montrezl Harrell added 24 points, and Landry Shamet scored 11. The Clippers outscored New Orleans 31-20 in the fourth quarter.

Derrick Favors (10-for-10 from floor) had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Brandon Ingram scored 21, JJ Redick

tallied 19 while Lonzo Ball had a tripledouble with 18 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for New Orleans.

Oklahoma City Thunder 119 Portland Trail Blazers 106 Chris Paul tied his season high with 30 points to lift Oklahoma City to a win over visiting Portland. Paul was 11 of 15 from the floor in the game and added seven assists.

Portland was without guard CJ McCollum, who suffered a sprained left ankle Friday. The Blazers’ bench was further depleted before the game when swingman Kent Bazemore

a n d forward Anthony Tolliver were reportedly traded to the Sacramento Kings.

According to ESPN, Portland will receive Trevor Ariza, Wendell Gabriel and Caleb Swanigan in the deal.

Rookie Darius Bazley, starting at forward in Danilo Gallinari’s absence (rest), had a careerbest 13 rebounds for the Thunder.

Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 22 points. Dennis Schroder added 15 — all in the final 15 minutes.

Toronto Raptors 122 - Minnesota Timberwolves 112 Fred VanVleet scored 29 points in his return from a hamstring injury, and Kyle Lowry added 28 points as visiting Toronto used a thirdquarter charge to earn a victory over Minnesota.

Norman Powell scored 20 points, and Pascal Siakam added 14 as the Raptors continued to get their regulars back on the court. Powell

and Siakam returned from injury last weekend. Marc Gasol returned Friday. VanVleet was the latest to see the court again after missing the last five games.

Jarrett Culver scored 26 points, and Robert Covington added 22 as the Timberwolves lost their fifth consecutive game. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 12 for Minnesota in his second game back from a 15-game absence because of a sore knee.

Andrew Wiggins had a triple-double i Kawh pers’ p li C s ainst ngele Los A d dunks ag elicans r P a Leon rleans ) ew O the N day Sports To (USA

in the defeat, scoring 18 points with 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

Milwaukee Bucks 117 Brooklyn Nets 97 Giannis Antetokounmpo encountered little difficulty collecting 29 points and 12 rebounds as Milwaukee led most of the way and cruised to a victory over Brooklyn in New York.

Antetokounmpo posted his 37th double-double while also tying his career-high with eight turnovers,

including four offensive fouls. The star forward made 12 of 20 shots and hit two 3-pointers, as the Bucks pushed their winning streak to six games and beat the Nets for the 16th time in the past 19 meetings.

Khris Middleton added 20 points as the Bucks led for the final 40:33, shot 50.6 percent (45 of 89) and led by as many as 25 points. Former Nets center Brook Lopez contributed 12 points, while Donte DiVincenzo and Wesley Matthews finished with 11 points apiece.

Philadelphia 76ers 90 New York Knicks 87 Tobias Harris drained a goahead 3-pointer with 28.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia won at New York.

Ben Simmons scored 21 points to reach the 20-point plateau in a career-best fourth straight contest for the 76ers, who snapped a six-game road losing skid and improved to 8-14 away from the City of Brotherly Love.

Josh Richardson scored 18 points, and Furkan Korkmaz added 17, one night after he erupted for a career-best totals in points (24) and 3-pointers (six) in the 76ers’ 100-89 victory over Chicago.

and eight assists for the Kings, who have lost four straight games and 13 of their past 16. Marvin Bagley III scored 17 points, and Buddy Hield added 14.

Detroit Pistons 136 Atlanta Hawks 103 Derrick Rose scored 10 of his 27 points in the first quarter to set the tone, and visiting Detroit shot 59.3 percent from the field in a rout of Atlanta.

Rose, making only his third start, was 12-for-17 from the field and added nine assists. It was his eighth straight game of 20-plus points.

Rose was one of six Detroit players who scored in double figures. He was joined by Svi Mykhailiuk with a career-high 25, Markieff Morris with 22, Andre Drummond with 16, Langston Galloway with 14 and Christian Wood with 10.

The Hawks got 20 points from John Collins, 19 from De’Andre Hunter and 16 points and seven assists from Trae Young. Newly acquired Jeff Teague had 15 points and seven assists in his first game back with the team.

Golden State Warriors 109 - Orlando Magic 95 D’Angelo Russell scored 26 points as Golden State snapped a 10-game losing streak with a victory over Orlando in San Francisco.

Rookie Jordan Poole scored a career-high 21 points, and Eric Paschall added 20 and nine rebounds for the shorthanded Warriors, who recorded their first victory since winning four in a row from Dec. 20-27.

Markelle Fultz scored 10 of his 23 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes of the second quarter and finished 10 of 14 from the floor for the Magic, who failed to take advantage of a 13-0 run to start the game.

Nikola Vucevic collected 13 points and 13 rebounds for Orlando, which last won in the Bay Area on Dec. 3, 2012.

Chicago Bulls 118 Cleveland Cavaliers 116 Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Zach LaVine scored 21 of his Irving defends against Milwaukee Bu game-high 42 points in the fourth cks forward Giannis Anteto quarter, and Lauri Markkanen kounmpo with Jarrett Al had 17 points as host Chicago len (31) and Wilson Ch rallied past Cleveland. andler(USA Today Sports) Chicago trailed by as many as 19 points in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a Utah 16-2 run to draw within 104-103.

Jazz 123 - Sacramento Kings 101 Bojan Bogdanovic made six LaVine, who notched his third game 3-pointers and scored 30 points to of at least 40 points this season, help Utah roll over Sacramento at Salt banked in a pullup jumper with 4:38 to go to give Chicago a 108-107 lead Lake City.

Rudy Gobert recorded a season- and set off a see-saw finish.

Cleveland lost for the fourth high 28 points on 9-of-11 shooting straight game to conclude a six-game and also had 15 rebounds and three road trip at 2-4. Both teams were blocked shots. Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points as the Jazz won for playing the second legs of back-tothe 16th time in their past 18 games. backs. Kevin Love scored 29 points to De’Aaron Fox recorded 21 points lead five Cavaliers in double figures.

(Reuters)

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

Rohit, Kohli star in India’s series win

India came from behind to clinch the 3-match series, 2 – 1

R

ohit Sharma’s masterful 29th ODI century and a 91-ball 89 from skipper Virat Kohli guided India to a come-from-behind series win over Australia. Chasing 287, India paced their innings to perfection with Rohit leading the charge. KL Rahul had to change his batting spot for the third successive time in the series with Shikhar Dhawan getting sidelined with an injury during Australia’s innings. But approaching the chase with one less frontline batsman didn’t affect the hosts one bit.

Rohit was the slayer in the powerplay taking on Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. If not for an economical start from Josh Hazlewood, Australia would have easily conceded more than 70 in the powerplay.

An erratic Starc was punished

by Rohit with the highlight of the innings being a six over point. The openers had contrasting starts in the first ten overs with Rohit going past 40 even as Rahul struggled to

get going. Australia seized on the opportunity by getting rid of Rahul with a well-calculated review but the wicket ensured Rohit and Kohli join forces once again.

Australia did well in the middle overs keeping both the batsmen quite which in turn increased the required run rate a touch but Rohit found his groove once again finding the odd boundary. A short ball from Marnus Labuschagne was dispatched for another six and Adam Zampa was punished few overs later for the same error.

One more six, this time off Aaron Finch, saw him move into the nineties before he eventually brought up the three-figure score for the 29th time in ODI cricket, going past Sanath Jayasuriya.

Kohli now grew in confidence as he took on a hapless Cummins who looked completely out of sorts on the night. Two back-to-back authoritative boundaries brought up another fifty for the Indian skipper and even

though Zampa sent back the centurion in the very next over, the damage was done by then.

Shreyas Iyer was tested again on the backfoot but he made amends at the end getting one over the pacers who troubled him in the first two games.

Kohli, who looked to get to his 44th ODI ton, saw his stumps rearranged by Hazlewood but the formalities were completed with ease as India won with 15 balls left to spare.

Earlier in the day, Steve Smith’s ninth ODI ton helped Australia crawl their way to 286/9. Finch’s decision to bat first appeared to backfire when David Warner walked back to the pavilion very early in the innings and the skipper himself was left fuming after Smith’s misjudgement saw him get run out.

The wicket only added extra pressure on Smith who once again joined forces with Labuschagne to revive the innings. Even though the wicket aided turn, the two batsmen handled the spinners

with ease and were scoring freely off Kuldeep Yadav. Both batsmen were well set by the halfway mark with Smith even going past fifty. With the partnership increasingly looking to threaten, India were given a ray of hope by their skipper who grabbed an excellent catch to end Labuschagne’s knock.

Australia’s experiment to promote Starc failed but Alex Carey chipped in with a useful contribution to revive Australia’s innings again. But losing Carey and Ashton Turner in a short span threatened to derail Australia’s innings before Smith opened up.

Having missed a century in the second ODI, Smith got to the three-figure mark this time and played some audacious shots at the death against India’s pacers. Those crucial runs ensured that Australia post a competitive total which was still not enough against a rampaging Indian lineup.

(Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD Australia Innings (50 overs maximum) DA Warner c †Rahul b Shami 3 AJ Finch (c) run out (Jadeja/ Iyer/Shami) . . . . . . . . . 19 SPD Smith c Iyer b Shami . . 131 M Labuschagne c Kohli b Jadeja . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 MA Starc c sub (YS Chahal) b Jadeja . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 AT Carey † c Iyer b Kuldeep Yadav . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 AJ Turner c †Rahul b Saini . 4 AC Agar not out . . . . . . . 11 PJ Cummins b Shami . . . . 0 A Zampa b Mohammed Shami 1 JR Hazlewood not out . . . . 1 Extras (lb 14, w 13) . . . . . 27 TOTAL (50 Overs, RR: 5.72) 286-9 Fall of wickets: 1-18 (David Warner, 3.2 ov), 2-46 (Aaron Finch, 8.5 ov), 3-173 (Marnus Labuschagne, 31.3 ov), 4-173 (Mitchell Starc, 31.6 ov), 5-231 (Alex Carey, 41.4 ov), 6-238 (Ashton Turner, 43.6 ov), 7-273 (Steven Smith, 47.1 ov), 8-276 (Pat Cummins, 47.4 ov), 9-282

(Adam Zampa, 49.2 ov) BOWLING : JJ Bumrah (10-038-0), M Shami (10-0-63-4), NA Saini (10-0-65-1), K Yadav (100-62-1), RA Jadeja (10-1-44-2) India Innings (target: 287 runs from 50 overs) RG Sharma c Starc b Zampa 119 KL Rahul † lbw b Agar . . . . 19 V Kohli (c) b Hazlewood . . . 89 SS Iyer not out . . . . . . . . 44 MK Pandey not out . . . . . 8 Extras (lb 2, w 8) . . . . . . . 10 TOTAL (47.3 Overs, RR: 6.08) 289-3 Did not bat: S Dhawan, RA Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, NA Saini, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-69 (KL Rahul, 12.3 ov), 2-206 (Rohit Sharma, 36.4 ov), 3-274 (Virat Kohli, 45.5 ov) BOWLING: PJ Cummins (7-064-0), MA Starc (9-0-66-0), JR Hazlewood (9.3-1-55-1), AC Agar (10-0-38-1), A Zampa (10-0-44-1), M Labuschagne (1-0-11-0), AJ Finch (1-0-9-0)

McGregor makes fast work of Cerrone on UFC return F

ormer two-division champion Conor McGregor returned to the Octagon with a stunning knockout of Donald Cerrone in under a minute at UFC 246 on Saturday in his first fight since losing a lightweight title bout to Khabib Nurmagomedov 15 months ago.

The 31-year-old Irishman left ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone bloodied just seconds into the fight by ramming shoulders into his face from the clinch, and when they broke McGregor landed a head kick that wobbled the American and sent him scrambling back to the cage.

McGregor closed in and rained down strikes as Cerrone covered up, prompting referee Herb Dean to stop the fight after just 40 seconds.

McGregor served a six-month suspension and was fined $50,000 for his role in a brawl at the end of his loss to Nurmagomedov.

He was convicted of assault late last year for punching a man who had refused a shot of whiskey from him in a Dublin pub while in a separate case in 2018 he was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief after police said he attacked a vehicle carrying UFC fighters.

He pleaded guilty to a reduced disorderly conduct charge in that case.

After his long absence, McGregor was glad to be back.

“I feel really good, but I came out of here

unscathed.

I’m in s h a p e .

We’ve

got work t o do to get back t o where I was,” McGregor said in his post-fight interview.

The victory was McGregor’s first since November 2016 at M a d i s o n Square Garden where h e beat Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight title and become the organization’s first simultaneous twoweight champion.

A crowd of over 19,000 packed out the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday and an uninspiring undercard was quickly for-

gotten as McGregor made his way to the Octagon.

Fans waving Irish Tricolours roared support for their man as the introductions took place and McGregor leaped into action as the fight began.

Cerrone had made his name by going toe-to-toe with some of the heaviest hitters in the UFC, giving fans the fights they want to see, but he was caught cold by McGregor’s unorthodox shoulder strikes.

“I had never seen anything like that,” Cerrone said. “It threw me way off guard. He busted my nose and it started bleeding and then he stepped back and head kicked me.”

Despite a third straight defeat, Cerrone said he had no plans to retire.

“I’m going to keep fighting man. I love this sport.”

McGregor has said he planned to have three UFC fights this year and also revealed he has a lucrative boxing match against Manny Conor McGregor in Pacquiao in the pipeaction against Donald line. (Reuters) Cerrone (Reuters)

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Premier League: Van Dijk and Salah put Liverpool 16 points clear L

iverpool’s procession towards their first title in 30 years continued with a hard-fought win over Manchester United at Anfield. A win that extended their lead at the top of the table to 16 points with a game in hand.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were the superior side but faced late United pressure as they defended Virgil van Dijk’s 14thminute header before wrapping up the win in style in injury time - goalkeeper Alisson’s long clearance setting Mohamed Salah clear to spark wild celebrations among supporters now convinced that long wait is coming to an end.

Liverpool could have emphasised their superiority as Roberto Firmino had a goal contentiously ruled out by VAR for Van Dijk’s foul on David de Gea, while the United keeper touched Jordan Henderson’s shot on to the post and Salah missed an open goal from six yards.

United, who saw striker Marcus Rashford ruled out for a lengthy period before kick-off with a back injury, actually had chances of their own as Andreas Pereira turned wide of an open goal in the first half and Anthony Martial blazed over the top from an inviting position after the break.

It came as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side rallied in the second half, but it was to no avail as Salah struck and Liverpool

Goalscorers Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah celebrate at the final whistle (Reuters)

march relentlessly on, with 21 wins from their first 22 games as United, the only team to take points off them this season, were beaten.

Burnley burn Leicester City Sean Dyche said Burnley reacted positively to questions about their form with victory against Leicester which

earned them their first points in five games.

Ashley Westwood’s stunning strike in the 79th minute and goalkeeper Nick Pope’s penalty save from Jamie Vardy marked a brilliant recovery by the home side who went behind to Harvey Barnes’ 33rd-minute goal.

The Clarets boss told BBC Sport:

“We’re really pleased. It was a deserved win in different ways. We had some question marks around us recently, which is kind of a backhanded compliment. There was a big sign of moving forward with that performance.

“We know what we are about and we reminded the group of that this week. But there was good play today.

We asked different questions. The performance was important to me as a manager, not just the win.”

Burnley-born Barnes gave the Foxes the lead with a superb individual effort after Jack Cork had been dispossessed just inside his own half.

The home side improved after the break and equalised when Chris Wood poked in his ninth league goal of the season after Ben Mee nodded into his path from a corner.

However, Mee then fouled Barnes in the box to give away a penalty, which was verified by VAR. Vardy, without a goal in his previous three games, saw his firm strike palmed away by Pope.

With their tails up, Burnley surged forward and were rewarded 11 minutes from time when Westwood thundered home a low drive.

The win lifts Burnley to 14th - five points above the relegation zone.

Leicester have now lost four times in their last six league games. (BBC Sport)

Report: Warriors eye March 1 for Curry return T

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he Golden State Warriors have a soft target date of March 1 for the return of two-time MVP Stephen Curry, The Athletic reported Sunday.

Curry broke his left hand in an October 30 game against the Phoenix Suns and was originally believed to have a targeted return of February.

There was also some speculation Curry might just sit out the season altogether for the Warriors (10-34), but he has remained intent on making a return.

The six-time All-Star has been

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shooting without a brace on his hand in workout sessions after the team practices.

After returning from teammate Klay Thompson’s jersey retirement ceremony at Washington State on Saturday, Curry even served as something of a sideline reporter during the Warriors’ 109-95 victory over the Orlando Magic that ended the team’s 10-game losing streak.

“I’ve been making progress,” Curry said, via NBC Bay Area Sports. “No setbacks which is definitely encouraging to get back to 100 percent as soon

as possible.”

Curry, 31, already has missed 40 games. The Warriors have another 16 games before the March 1 targeted return date, which is a home contest against the Washington Wizards.

A veteran of 11 seasons and three NBA championships, Curry has averaged 23.5 points per game, with a career best of 30.1 during the 2015-16 season.

(Reuters)

Djokovic crosses fingers for clean air at Melbourne Park

GUYANA TIMES D

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21

efending champion Novak Djokovic says he was saddened by the sight of players and ball kids struggling in smoky conditions during Australian Open qualifying and hoped the worst of the air pollution was behind them at the year’s first Grand Slam.

Smoke from bushfires raging across the country blanketed Melbourne Park during the opening days of qualifying, forcing Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic to retire after she collapsed in a coughing fit and leaving other players battling for breath.

The threat of poor air disrupting the event has receded in recent days in the wake of a rainstorm, though forecasts for further wet weather could yet produce scheduling challenges when the tournament opens on Monday.

Djokovic said the smoggy conditions had made him concerned for players’ safety.

“I think Melbourne at that time was the most polluted city in the world that day,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“It was sad to see some players collapsing and ball kids collapsing on the court. “(The) last three days have been really good, fresh air, like nothing happened.

“Whether that’s going to stay or not, we don’t know. We hope (so), for the sake of well-being and health of all the players.

Victoria’s Environmental Protection Authority rated the air quality in Melbourne as “good” on Sunday and forecast conditions would remain that way for the opening three days of the tournament.

A number of leading players have been active in fundraising and pledged to open their wallets to help with relief efforts in Australia where 29 people have been killed and thousands made homeless by the devastation.

Djokovic, who plays unseeded German JanLennard Struff in the opening round on Monday, is favorite to win a record-extending eighth Australian Open title and 17th Grand Slam trophy overall.

He and ‘Big Three’ rivals Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have shared the last 12 Grand Slam titles between them but Djokovic said their dominance was on b o r r o w e d time as younger talents like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev challenge. (Reuters)

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Simmons, Lewis smash Ireland to draw series L

endl Simmons carted 10 sixes and five fours on his way to jaw-dropping 91* off 40 balls as West Indies made mincemeat of Ireland's above average total of 138 in the series finale in St. Kitts.

Having been stunned in the series opener - by the slightest of margins, West Indies' hopes of going into the last game on level terms was scuppered by rains.

Kieron Pollard had bowled his heart out, producing his career-best spell (4 for 25), only for showers to kill the game right at the start of their chase. Ireland went into the final fixture with a series lead, and the opportunity to create history with a series win, but their flight of fancy was brought down crashing to earth via West Indies' thorough all-round performance.

If the first three overs of the game was anything to go by, Ireland once again showed gumption to post a high, 200-plus total. They had 48 runs on the board by the end of the third, thanks largely to Kevin O'Brien who raced away to 35 off 15, which included a Sheldon Cottrell over riddled with five successive boundaries. But Ireland's

march towards maximising the PowerPlay was cut short by the experience that Pollard and Dwayne Bravo bring to the West Indies side. They took out both openers - O'Brien and Paul Stirling - in the space of seven deliveries.

From 61 for 6 overs, captain Andrew Balbirnie set out to carry forward the consolidation job but was devoid of a stable batting partn e r a t the

other end. In less than five full overs since the PowerPlay, Ireland lost four more wickets - including that of Balbirnie - to put themselves en route to an underwhelming total. Pollard followed his 4 for 25 with another fine spell of bowling at the same venue, finishing with 3 for 17 while Bravo too accounted for three dismissals. The utter collapse in the middle-order with five of the batsmen contributing single-digit scores - saw Ireland fold for 138 in the 20th over, giving West Indies a clear shot at series parity.

West Indies took it, and how. Simmons began the carnage against the medium pace of Barry McCarthy in the second

over, hitting him for 15 runs and bettered that against Craig Young in the sixth, with 16 to the tally. Ireland

fired blanks in their quest for early breakthroughs as West Indies waltzed to 57 for 0 in 6 overs.

Simmons made up his mind to not offer any respite that generally accompanies the relaxation of the field restrictions, as he brought up a 28-ball half-century with a six.

There just was no restriction to Simmons's six-binge.

At the halfway stage, West Indies had already polished off 123 runs, with Simmons smashing 85 off it - which included nine sixes. Though Lewis was dismissed in the 11th over - giving Simi Singh and his teammates something t o

c h e e r about - Simmons took his sixes tally to double digit and sealed the game in style. (Cricbuzz)

Evin Lewis

Lendl Simmons hit 10 sixes in his incredible knock

SCOREBOARD Ireland Innings (20 overs maximum) PR Stirling lbw b Bravo . . . . 11 KJ O'Brien c Hetmyer b Pollard 36 A Balbirnie (c) run out (Rutherford) . . . . . . . . . 28 GJ Delany c †Pooran b Pollard 6 HT Tector c †Pooran b Pollard 1 GC Wilson † c Simmons b Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 MR Adair run out (Cottrell) . 6 Simi Singh c Cottrell b Rutherford . . . . . . . . . . 5 BJ McCarthy not out . . . . . 18 CA Young c Simmons b Bravo 8 JB Little c †Pooran b Bravo . 5 Extras: (lb 5, w 2) . . . . . . . 7 TOTAL: 138 all out (19.1 Overs, RR: 7.2) Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Kevin O'Brien, 3.4 ov), 2-55 (Paul Stirling, 4.5 ov), 3-74 (Gareth Delany, 7.2 ov), 4-76 (Harry Tector, 7.5 ov), 5-93 (Gary Wilson, 10.2 ov), 6-94 (Andy Balbirnie, 10.3 ov), 7-107 (Mark Adair, 13.1 ov), 8-108 (Simi Singh,

13.3 ov), 9-125 (Craig Young, 16.4 ov), 10-138 (Josh Little, 19.1 ov) Bowling: SS Cottrell 4-0-330, R Shepherd 4-0-37-1, KA Pollard 4-0-17-3, DJ Bravo 3.1-0-19-3, HR Walsh 1-0-60, SE Rutherford 3-0-21-1 West Indies Innings (target: 139 runs from 20 overs) LMP Simmons not out . . . . 91 E Lewis c †Wilson b Simi Singh 46 N Pooran † not out . . . . . . 1 Extras: (w 2) . . . . . . . . . 2 TOTAL: 140/1 (11 Overs, RR: 12.72) Did not bat: SO Hetmyer, KA Pollard (c), R Powell, SE Rutherford, DJ Bravo, R Shepherd, SS Cottrell, HR Walsh Fall of wickets: 1-133 (Evin Lewis, 10.4 ov) Bowling: PR Stirling 1-0-10, BJ McCarthy 2-0-35-0, Simi Singh 3-0-41-1, JB Little 2-0-25-0, MR Adair 2-0-220, CA Young 1-0-16-0

ICC Under-19 World Cup…

West Indies take on dawdling England today

T

he 8th match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2020 will be played between England U19 and West Indies U19 at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

England started off their under 19 World Cup campaign with a washed out match against Zimbabwe, then lost against Afghanistan by 21 runs in the warm ups.

West Indies won their first practice game against Canada by three wickets and then registered a massive 126-run win against Scotland in their second warm-up game.

The team has registered a win in their first proper match of the tournament with 3-wicket victory against Australia under 19, in a game that was curtailed to 49 overs per side due to rain.

As expected, Matthew Forde was the most effective bowler for West Indies while Nyeem Young stood out among the batsmen, with a 69-ball 61.

The West Indies squad has been quite impressive with top performances already registered by majority of the team.

Meanwhile, England wicketkeeper Jordan Cox initially featured for Kent as a lower-order batsman but was later promoted up the order and put in some impressive performances. He also scored an unbeaten 122 for the England

under 19 team a month ago and would be expected to put runs on the board for the team.

Among the bowlers, seam bowling all-rounder Joey Evison, who played for Nottinghamshire last year, would be one of the big hopes for England in the tournament.

Afghanistan-born off spinner Hamidullah Qadri picked up 18 wickets in the youth ODI trials and will look to create an impact.

The two sides recently meet in the Caribbean during a Tri-Nation Series which involved the Sri Lankan Under 19 team.

England team: George Balderson (Captain), Ben Charlesworth, Tom Clark, Kasey Aldridge, Jordan Cox, Scott Currie, Blake Cullen, Harry Duke, Joey Evison, Lewis Goldsworthy, Jack Haynes, Dan Mousley, George Hill, Sam Young, Hamidullah Qadri.

West Indies team: Kimani Melius (Captain), Daniel Beckford, Kelvon Anderson, Joshua James, Matthew Forde, Mbeki Joseph, Leonardo Julien, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Kirk McKenzie, Antonio Morris, Ashmead Nedd, Matthew Patrick, Jayden Seales, Nyeem Young, Ramon Simmonds. (Cricket World)

Nyeem Young plays on the leg side during his half century against Australia U-19

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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

23

CWI Colonial Medical Insurance Regional 4-day Championship…

Pride complete 7-wicket win over Jaguars B

arbados Pride bounced back from a first-round defeat with a second-round victory over the Guyana Jaguars in the CWI Colonial

Medical Insurance Regional 4 - d a y Championship on Sunday at the Kensington Oval.

The host side completed a 7-wicket win after starting the final day with the upper hand.

Guyana Jaguars were 141– 3 in their second innings at stumps on Saturday, in reply to the Pride’s first innings’ total of 389, which trumped Guyana’s first innings’ total of 209.

Eventually, Guyana were bowled out for 258, which left the opposition with only 79 runs to claim

victory. Pride buckled for a few steps, but were able to reach 79 with the loss of 3 wickets, to cap the dominant win.

Sharmarh Brooks ensured his side’s triumph with an unbeaten 44, while Kraigg Brathwaite contributed 23 at the top of the order.

Veersammy Permaul was able to remove Brathwaite and Jonathan Carter (7), while Keon Joseph claimed S h e y n e Moseley’s wicket before he

came off the mark.

Earlier in the day, Vishaul Singh and Raymon Reifer resumed batting with their overnight totals of 56 and 17, but were both removed just when they seemed to have settled in.

Reifer was able to carry on to 31 before he was caught behind by Shane Dowrich off Chemar Holder.

Holder

then did his team a solid deed when he removed Singh for 79.

After that, Keon Harding dismissed the outof-form Anthony Bramble for 19, while Kevin Sinclair stood at the other end and helplessly watched the lower order

crumble, as he was left unbeaten on 12.

Harding removed Permaul for 6 and Nial Smith without scoring, before Holder returned to bowl Joseph for the final wicket and the win.

Round three commences for Guyana on Thursday, January 23, when they take on Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Guyana National Stadium.

SCOREBOARD Jaguars 1st innings 209 Pride 1st Innings 389 Jaguars 2nd Innings T Chanderpaul lbw b Roach 6 C Hemraj b Harding . . . . . 42 L Johnson b Stoute . . . . . . 17 V Singh c Mayers b Holder . 79 C Barnwell c Harding b Warrican . . . . . . . . . . . 26 R Reifer c Dowrich b Holder 31 A Bramble c Brathwaite b Harding . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 K Sinclair not out . . . . . . . 12 V Permaul c Dowrich b Harding 6 Nial Smith b Harding . . . . . 0 K Joseph b Holder . . . . . . 0 Extras: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Total: 258 for 10 Bowling: K Roach (16-4-51-1),

K Harding (16-1-77-4), C Holder (18.1-2-63-3), K Stoute (12-1-341), J Carter (4-1-10-0), J Warrican (7-3-13-1), K Brathwaite (1-1-0-0) Pride 2nd Innings K Brathwaite c Bramble b Permaul . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 S Moseley c Bramble b Joseph 0 S Brooks not out . . . . . . . 44 J Carter lbw b Permaul . . . . 7 K Mayers not out . . . . . . . 0 Extras: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Total: 79 for 3 DNB: C Holder, J Warrican, S Dowrich, K Stoute, K Roach, K Harding Bowling: N Smith (3-0-31-0), K Joseph (4-1-19-1), C Barnwell (2-1-8-0), V Permaul (4-0-112), C Hemraj (3.4-0-8-0)

Global Spare Parts & Auto Sales Golf Tournament…

Prashad, Subhan and Mangra are flight champions F

ormer Club Captain, the veteran Patrick Prashad, pulled all the stops to edge out LGC President Aleem Hussain in their ‘Championship (09) Flight’, finishing tied in an exciting day in Global Spare Parts & Auto Sales tournament.

The first tournament of the year saw the other two Flights being won by the experienced Maxim Mangra, who easily took the lead in the ‘C’ (19-28) Flight; and Ayube Subhan, who produced a superb performance to lead the extremely keen competition in the ‘B’ (10-18) Flight.

In the ‘A’ Flight, Prashad (72/8) was 1st, with Hussain (72/9) 2nd. Former Guyana Open Champion Mike Mangal was third, on their heels with a fine 74/8.

Mangra’s 68/20 was without contention, as he led 2nd place Gavin Todd (77/19) by some 9 strokes.

Rookie Harry Ganpat (the sponsor), who has been showing great improvement in his play, produced a commendable 82/28 while Best Gross for the day (77)

From left: Sponsor "Curry" Ganpat, Club President Aleem Hussain, Ayube Subhan, Mrs Ganpat, Ramesh Amrud, Maxim Mangra, Gavin Todd and Patrick Prashad, following the conclusion of the event

was produced by veteran golfer Ramesh Amrud.

The day’s tournament was graced with the lovely presence and participation of Doreen De Caires, who has been a member of the club for some 50 years, and was the Women’s Captain

for many years. Her husband was the longest serving Men’s Captain of the Club. De Caires delivered a great net 100 off of her play.

Reigning Guyana Open Ladies Champion Christine Sukhram also added her

charm and participation to the occasion. Another positive experience for the Club was to have its newest member, Chet Bowling of New Amsterdam.

The competition in the ‘B’ Flight was a taste of how stiff the COPA Airlines

competition is likely to be come Saturday, January 25.

The keen jostling, obvious by a spread of only 4 strokes between the top seven scores in the Flight, indicates that golfers will

be going all out to emerge as champions in their Flights.

Subhan’s 68/14, followed

by Shanella London’s 69/15, was the tip of the iceberg.

Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud (70/14); Lekhnarine Shivraj (70/16); Christine Sukhram (71/12); Mike Gayadin (72/12) and Mahindranauth Tewari (72/12) sent clear signals that no one would win without a good fight.

This excitement and anticipation for the COPA tournament is well appreciated by COPA General Manager Nadine Oudkerk, who has expressed willingness to support the LGC along with the programme.

CEO of Global, Ganpat, a keen golfer, was on hand with his charming wife to congratulate the winners and express his appreciation for being involved with the LGC. Hussain expressed gratitude to the Ganpat family for their willing support of the LGC and the ongoing vision.

He thanked the golfers for their good participation, and the Grounds staff for their commendable work.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI Colonial Medical Insurance Regional 4-day Championship…

Pride complete 7-wicket win over Jaguars Page 23

ICC Under-19 World Cup…

Global Spare Parts & Auto Sales Golf Tournament…

Prashad, Subhan and Mangra are flight champions West Indies take on dawdling England today Page 22

Page 22

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