Guyana Times October 02,2019.

Govt spending $460M on sea defence protection, relief efforts

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

Issue No. 4064

THE BEACON OF TRUTH wednesday, OCTOber 2, 2019

New Govt needed to advance security, prosperity for Guyana See story on page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Youth gets life imprisonment for killing 18-month-old P8 niece …eligible for parole after 20 years

– says Chair of US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere

PPP Commissioner “disillusioned” as GECOM sticks with 42-day C&O timeline

Page 7

– says full Commission’s 35-day decision subverted, should have been reinstated

Over 300 acres of rice destroyed as flooding in Region 5 worsens

See story on page 13

1 in custody for Charity supermarket robbery- P9 shooting …shooting victim airdashed to city hospital

NATI student stabbed by classmate P12 during row over bicycle

GDF Captain caught with firearm, ammo and ganja Page 2

– Chief of Staff continues to remain mum on matters involving ranks’ crimes

GTT’s “Pinktober” continues to raise awareness of Page cancers in Guyana 14

...need for more collaboration to help save lives – GTT CEO

Teen goes missing after visiting relatives on Linden- P12 Soesdyke Highway

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

GDF Captain caught with firearm, ammo and ganja – Chief of Staff continues to remain mum on matters involving ranks’ crimes

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nother military official is now in hot water after he was caught with an unlicensed .32 Taurus pistol with magazine, a quantity of ammunition, and a quantity of cannabis in the motor vehicle he was driving along Avenue of the Republic on Monday.

Three other men were arrested including a pork knocker, who was the lone passenger in the army rank’s car at the time of the discovery and arrest.

The other two – a farmer and a carpenter – were also taken into custody after they were spotted exiting the vehicle moments before Police swooped down on the car.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank has been identified as a 30-year-old Coast Guard Captain who was on detachment in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Reports are that around 14:00h on Monday at

The suspected cannabis along with the .32 Taurus firearm, magazine and live rounds discovered in the motor car that the GDF Captain was driving on Monday

Avenue of the Republic and Croal Street, Georgetown, Police ranks attached to the Brickdam Police Station received information about the military official and the vehicle he was operating.

The police managed to intercept the car (PXX 94) and escort the driver and the lone occupant to the police station where a search was conducted.

In the middle pocket of the car, the .32 Taurus pistol with magazine and two live .32 rounds of ammunition were found and a bulky parcel wrapped with transparent plastic containing suspected cannabis was discovered in the trunk of the vehicle.

The Coast Guard Captain was grilled about the firearm since he was not the owner but he reportedly related that the weapon belongs to his father-inlaw, who is a businessman in East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The motor vehicle (PXX 94) that the firearm, rounds and suspected cannabis were found in

He told the police that he would usually have his father-in-law’s firearm in his possession.

According to a police source, the parcel with the suspected cannabis and firearm were dusted for latent prints but none were uplifted.

However, when this publication contacted the GDF’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, for a comment on the issue and update on the military rank, he once again rudely redirected the

newspaper to make contact with the army’s Public Relations Office.

“This is the office of the Chief of Staff. If it [is] a public relations matter, call the public relations department. Is it a personal matter or a public relations matter? Please exercise the protocol if it is public relations”, West told Guyana Times before disconnecting the call. This was not the first time the military personnel was rude to the media house.

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, October 2 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Thursday, October 3 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, October 2 – 06:30h – 08:00h and Thursday, October 3 – 07:10h – 08:40h.

New Govt needed to advance security, prosperity for Guyana

– says Chair of US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere

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nited States (US) Senator and onetime Republican Presidential Candidate,

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine with periods of showers are expected during the late morning and afternoon hours.

There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:46h and 18:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.72 metres.

US Senator Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio has urged that the US stand in support of Guyana as it heads to elec-

Gerry Gouveia echoed the calls for free and fair elections. He noted that this, together with respect for the rule of law and the Constitution, is what matters.

“What matters to us in the Private Sector is that Guyanese are afforded a fair and free elections free from violence that we suffered in 1992,1997 and 2001. What matters to us in the Private Sector is that whichever party wins the elections reach across the political divide and truly find a way to work together for the children of Guyana’s Future.

“What matters to us in the Private Sector is that the New Government rationalised our tax systems while creating the enabling

Low Tide: 24:18h and 12:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.58 metre.

2020, as elections day. The declaration, which is dated October 1, 2019, was issued in accordance with Article 61 of the Guyana Constitution, which states that the President shall by proclamation appoint a day for an election under Article 60 (2), and that an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held under Article 60 (2).

To this end, the President proclaimed that “…in pursuance of the said Article 61, I do hereby appoint the 2nd day of March 2020, as the day on which an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held under the said Article 60 (2).”

President Granger has been coming under immense pressure to issue his proclamation over the past few weeks. After almost a year of procrastination following his Government’s defeat to a No-Confidence Motion, President David Granger on Wednesday last announced March 2, 2020,

President David Granger

of a need for a return to the National Assembly in order to seek an extension of time for his Government in office.

According to the President, the Government of Guyana “must, as a consequence, return to the National Assembly to request an extension. The National Assembly reconvenes on 10th October 2019”.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has repeatedly affirmed that it would

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tion and seeks to elect a new Government.

The Senator made this call in a tweet from one of his official accounts on Monday. According to the Senator, he is looking forward to the democratic electoral process in Guyana, which he referred to as the US’ “important regional ally”.

“It’s in our strong interest to stand in support of the Guyanese people, as they seek to elect a new Government that can advance their security and prosperity,” the US Senator also said in his tweet.

In a message on his social media account referring to Rubio, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman, retired Captain

environment to foster and enhance investors’ confidence. What matters to us in the Private Sector is that job creation must be the daily [priority] of our country leaders,” Gouveia added.

On Monday the President issued two proclamations officially declaring March 2,

Liza Destiny arrives at the Stabroek Block

as the “earliest possible” date for elections, during an address to the nation.

In his address to the nation, Granger had spoken

not return to the National Assembly to grant the Government the two thirds vote it needs to extend its life in power.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 2, 2019

Views China marks 70 years of communism 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

The NCM forced sudden community development

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he long overdue elections, which should have been held by March 21, 2019, following the December 21, 2018, No-Confidence Motion (NCM), now appear to be confirmed for March 2, 2020. That’s just about a year after it was constitutionally due and six months after the new September 18, 2019 deadline following APNU/AFC’s recourse to the courts.

That said, the caretaker President, David Granger, having been evasive on a definite date, on Tuesday signed the much-awaited proclamation which is needed to legally establish that date. With that settled and the crucial Claims and Objections (C&O) process also commenced, the various campaigns will be intensified. Key, is the elections being free and fair.

The Opposition, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has raised concerns over operations within the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). One area was the announcement of the need for prospective voters to verify their registration during C&O. That requires all persons, whose names appear on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), to visit registration offices to conduct that verification process in order to be included on the Official List of Electors (OLE).

That was vehemently opposed by the PPP given the fact that it’s unnecessary and would result in unimaginable logistical challenges.

Importantly, it was seen as allegedly orchestrated by some within the Secretariat to impose a residency requirement which contravenes a ruling by the Chief Justice. That created potential to have persons already registered removed from the PLE. On Tuesday, GECOM revoked that registration requirement process.

That not only underscores the needlessness of that process, but the concerns raised by the Opposition over GECOM’s Secretariat. Leading members of the international community have since indicated their willingness to provide support to ensure that the upcoming elections are free and fair. What is imperative, is for all Guyanese to do his/her part during the C&O process to ensure that a credible OLE is derived and to remain guarded against possibly deliberate attempts to frustrate the process.

As the preparations at the various levels unfold, reflecting on events over the last nice months will not only reveal the callous disregard for the Constitution on the part of the APNU/AFC coalition, but, among others, how the NCM forced the Government to make itself available to residents and implement a number of community development projects.

Many have openly stated that had it not been for the NCM, most, if not all, ministers would have remained in the comfort of their plush offices rather than being in the fields to observe the daily challenges Guyanese face. There were little or no Cabinet outreaches prior to December 21, 2018, and limited infrastructural development within communities.

Since, there have been a plethora official events, albeit, extravagant, for the Government to interact with the citizenry and a very noticeable increase in much-needed works in some communities. An argument can be made over a possible preference, in terms of political support, for the communities to benefit.

In some, paved roads and street lights are needs now being satisfied while communities within the hinterland region are being frequently visited and are recipients of a variety of government hand-outs. In addition, some main public roadways have seen vital remedial works while projects, like the Sheriff Street expansion, and road and housing development, especially in Sophia, are proceeding at seemingly rapid rate.

Given the APNU/AFC’s history in office since May 2015, such undertakings would not have materialised had it not been for the successful NCM brought against them by the PPP. Similarly, officials, who have recently been braving elements of the weather to interact with residents, even though it seems glaringly to solicit their support, may not have done so.

In many ways, whatever is now being done by the APNU/AFC coalition seems deliberately designed to distract from its dismal record in office as the election approaches. Important to note, is that projects executed, like the Sheriff Street and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansions, were all envisaged by the PPP. It’s the same for the East Bank and West Demerara road projects. Reports suggest that the funding of the road and housing development in Sophia are from loans agreed to when the PPP was in office.

Reportedly, some West Berbice residents, who are now painfully counting their losses as a result of flooding, raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of related infrastructure design to safeguard. It seems those concerns were ignored leading to the current plight which could have been avoided.

These examples, which show a lack of visionary thinking on the part of the APNU/AFC, can also suggest its gross neglect of residents’ concerns prior to December 21, 2018. Having implemented some infrastructural work only because of the NCM, it appears that despite APNU/AFC’s desperate attempts to ignore it and have it invalidated, it was the impetus to force them to stop snubbing citizens.

Seemingly only budging when forced, public pressure may have forced the election proclamation. Again, that underlines APNU/AFC’s seeming unwillingness to genuinely act in the interest of all.

Militia members march in formation past Tiananmen Square during the military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing, China, October 1, 2019 (Reuters/Thomas Peter)

In Ecuador, 1 woman has given shelter to over 8500 Venezuelans

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he sun had already set when a group of 10 Venezuelans trickled into Carmen Carcelen's home in northern Ecuador late last month. They joined about 100 others who were already there. Two volunteers immediately invited the new houseguests to put down their tattered suitcases and backpacks, and offered each person a bowl of soup.

As they started eating, Carcelen was already in the middle of her nightly speech, explaining the house rules: Keep a peaceful atmosphere, wash your plate after you eat, do not consume drugs or alcohol in the house, and hand over any knives or other weapons you might be carrying. Those who refuse to comply will be escorted out of town, she said.

"Here the price of food, the bed you're using, the water and electricity is all free: All you have to do is behave well," Carcelen told her guests.

The 48-year-old motherof-eight has been welcoming Venezuelans to her home for the past two years, providing a moment of relief to migrants and refugees on their long, and increasingly-dangerous journey. Since August 2017, she estimated that she has given shelter to over 8500 Venezuelans travelling south. She is also known for giving people hugs when they need it and rubbing their aching feet.

The number of people passing through Carcelen's house spiked after the Ecuadorian Government announced the implementation of strict new visa requirements. Thousands rushed to the border, trying to enter

Carmen Carcelen works to help heal the blisters migrants get after walking for several days

Jonatan Rosas/Al Jazeera]

the country before August 26, the day the new laws came into effect. More than 4500 Venezuelans arrived daily at Ecuador's northern border in the days leading up to the change, up from the previous norm of some 2500 a day. Most were fleeing extreme poverty, hyperinflation and food and medicine shortages back home.

At this same time, up to 300 people a day were arriving at Carcelen's doorstep, triple the amount from six months ago when the daily average was 100 people.

While she gave everyone meals, she was only able to give beds to about 150 people a night, prioritising families with children, she said.

"Where are they expected to go?" said Carcelen, criticising the new visa restrictions, "they don't have wings, they can't just hover around in the sky".

“I thought I would be sleeping in the streets tonight”

Carcelen did not intend

to convert her home into a hostel. The devout Christian said she has always had people in her house and loves to help travellers. In 2017, Carcelen and her husband saw a group of Venezuelans walking on the side of the highway when one man collapsed out of exhaustion.

They picked up the group and offered them a place to rest for the night. Things grew organically after that, as more and more migrants and refugees began coming through.

Her home in the small town of Juncal is only 80 kilometres (about 50 miles) from Rumichaca, the main Colombia-Ecuador border crossing. The majority of the 1.7 million Venezuelans who have entered Ecuador since 2015 have come through this entrance. Those who enter on foot, eventually walk past Juncal as it sits on the PanAmerican highway, on the way to the capital, Quito.

Today, those who end up at Carcelen's home have

[Photo by:

either been referred there by other migrants or taken there directly by Carcelen's neighbours who see them walking on the highway.

Carcelen lives in a three-storey split-level house made of cement, where she raised her own six children and two others she adopted when their parents passed away. The Venezuelans who stay here sleep on the third floor: The men in one large room on mattresses on the floor and the women and children in two smaller rooms on mattresses and bunk beds. It is one of Carcelen's key house rules - that men and women be separated at night, no exceptions. But when they are not sleeping, everyone stays downstairs in the open terrace area beside the open kitchen - where Carcelen spends the vast majority of her time - and the bathrooms and showers that have been donated by aid organisations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera) To be continued

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 2, 2019

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

A true leader

Dear Editor, “Statesman par excellence” and “a matchless leader of the Guyanese people” are just some of the many complimentary remarks made by both the local and the international communities and people of all races, even those who are his political opponents.

Recently, on social media, a strong supporter of the coalition referred to him as a true leader. By now you know whom I am referring to – Dr Bharrat Jagdeo!

Since he took up the mantle of the Leader of the Opposition, he has relentlessly exposed the massive corruption and gross ineptitude of the coalition. He has been persistent in his pursuit and never has this country seen a more effective leader than this man.

He has singlehandedly pronounced on each of the failed economic policies of the coalition and they have never been able to counterattack or rebut his incisive arguments. He has expertly unmasked each and every act of corruption by providing detailed facts and figures which the coalition cannot dispute. For the first time, Guyanese have an opportunity to sift through tangible pieces of evidence of corruption, quite unlike what the coalition failed to do. The Guyanese populace was appalled by the enormous lev-

el of corruption by the coalition.

I can recall that when the coalition was the Opposition, they uttered endless streams of rhetoric about massive corruption of the PPP/C Government but until now and after spending $133 million on about 45 forensic audits, they cannot successfully prosecute even one such instance of corruption. Yet they regurgitated the corruption platform ad nauseam and it was also used ceaselessly during the 2011 elections and also during the 2015 elections campaign when it was actually used to camouflage their fictitious manifesto.

But the people would have known that something was amiss when the PNC failed to take part in the NCN’s Corruption Debate in 2012. The PNC knew that they were just playing mind games with the Guyanese public and all they were interested in was to enrich themselves, cronies and families though corrupt practices.

However, Dr Jagdeo did not stop at exposing the corruption and incompetency of the coalition tricksters and fraudsters with his trademark weekly press conference but he skilfully manoeuvred his party to a massive win in the 2018 Local Government which became the catalyst

Madam Chairperson has finally come to her senses

Dear Editor, It is a final order coming from the Chairwoman herself that voters are no longer required to physically verify their registration to vote. It is the final order coming from the pen of Madam Justice Claudette Singh herself. In doing so, she is now asserting herself as the Head of GECOM and not the tail.

Hitherto this time, she was being led and not doing the legal, right and authoritative thing to lead, or in other words, being in control of the GECOM Secretariat, she was allowing her good name to be used in the nefarious activities of the Government officials there.

So, as we say in creole, “The GECOM Chair has finally come to her senses”.

There is still much ground to cover as the PNC plays another stratagem in this artful trick of “using” GECOM as a tool for the rigging of elections. This means that Madam Justice Claudette Singh has to be ever vigilant as to what comes out of the Secretariat as a communique.

The Opposition officials will do their work, that’s for sure, however, an astute and impartial Chair should be there to enhance that process. We the people need a leader who will stand out and stand up for the people’s cause.

Madam Chair, you were placed in that position to safeguard democracy and to oversee the rights of the people. Just do it faithfully and honestly. I rest my case.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

for the now famous NoConfidence Motion which successfully toppled the coalition Government on December 21, 2018. The coalition thought he was biting more than he could chew when they mockingly sang in chorus, “Bring it on!” I guess they will never sing that refrain again.

They then recanted their acceptance of defeat and embarked on an ignominious journey which would expose the true nature of the coalition - the old PNC has returned with a vengeance and this time with some AFC converts.

The PNC thought that they were buying time to rig the next election but what they have done is irreparable damage to their image, both locally and internationally, to the extent that the USA, the UK, the EU, the Commonwealth and many local organisations demanded that the Granger Administration respect Guyana’s Constitution and call the elections which are long overdue.

The coalition has now lost whatever shred of credibility they had. In the process of delaying the elections, Jagdeo expertly decimated the coalition, resulting in many supporters of the coalition crossing the floor. Jagdeo’s wisdom, perseverance and tenacity bore fruit!

Moreover, like a true leader of the Guyanese people, he marshaled and deployed his forces on a daily basis to fight and counterattack each and every de-

vious stratagem which the PNC attempted to foist on this nation to hoodwink and deceive them. Not only that but he restrained, guided and educated them on a peaceful course to fight against the ugly head of dictatorship which has once again threatened to engulf this nation. It was not an easy task. Some criticised his decision when it had appeared that he made a wrong move in the selection of the GECOM’s Chairperson but Jagdeo maintained that he has full confidence in her and so be it.

Once again, he proved that he was absolutely right. The PNC could not have forced her to act illegally against the Court’s decision and for GECOM to embark on a new form of ‘verification’. In addition, she has not only corrected the Claims and Objections period but has accepted technical assistance from the international community to avoid similar pitfalls. Jagdeo’s foresight again pays off!

It had taken 28 years to get rid of the PNC’s dictatorship but this time the fall is swift and I am sure that in the final analysis, the master strategist will be successful in bringing back his people once again on the road to prosperity which the coalition comprehensively destroyed in just 4 years. His support to the PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate will ensure this.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

The establishing of a new capital city Dear Editor, After giving quite a bit of thought to our current unfortunate situation on the coast, it has become apparent that we will eventually need to relocate our coastal population to a new capital city.

Let’s consider this new and future reality and what steps we could take to create a more sustainable habitat for our citizens that will easily last for several centuries. a) Knowing that the rise in sea level will continue based on climate change factors, we must first take a high position in a location where our national security is strengthened. Providing access to our borders, while also allowing for a defendable position of the new capital city, our resources and our citizens. b) Simultaneously we must incorporate easy access to key resources such as fresh water, agricultural/ fertile lands, building materials, and renewable energy.

Given the distribution of our natural resources, the configuration of our borders and topography of our land, a central position appears to be both doable and defendable. However, a short indepth study should be conducted to facilitate our site selection. Upon determining the feasibility and cost for such a venture, the longterm development plan to accomplish the relocation of the coastal population should be established with the appropriate timelines and budgetary needs.

As for the coastal plains, plans for long term usage given the forecasted environmental changes should be adjusted accordingly. We have a limited number of opportunities to get the population migration efforts done correctly and it will require a team effort within Parliament to get this done both efficiently and in a timely manner. There will also be a necessity for land allocation to the citizens within such a migration plan.

Also, in the interim, it must be quickly determined what mitigation efforts we can afford to implement to defend our current capital from the effects of climate change, while also supporting the migration plan to the interior of the country and its associated budgetary needs to implement the plan for the new capital city. This is a good start to how we should think about spending the forecasted funds we plan to obtain for the sale and non-usage of some of our natural resources.

Let’s spend it where it matters most in the long term and be cautious of spending too much on developing an area that will eventually be destroyed by climate change. Maintenance and defence of what we have in low-lying areas should be the preferred approach vs continual expansion within the low-lying areas over the long term.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

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wednesday, OCTOber 2, 2019

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Foundation

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streams to farm in new areas.

The average farmer in the early 1900s only produced enough food for a family of five.

What is agriculture?

y definition, agriculture is “The science, art, and business of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock.” Agriculture encompasses many areas that impact your life every day.

Agricultural activities for pre-schoolers

Three- and four-yearold children love discovering the world around them through hands-on activities.

Plan a good variety of individual, group, and active lessons to best capture their attention.

Branches of agriculture

Each specific kind of agriculture has its own name to differentiate it from farming as a whole. Not all agriculture jobs involve actively working on a farm. Another word for agriculture is tillage.

Agrogeology involves studying the adaptability of the land for farming.

The science of farm management is called agronomy.

Citriculture is the cultivation of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.

The raising of fish is known as aquaculture.

Plant an aeroponic garden

Husbandry involves caring for farm animals.

Exciting facts about early agriculture

Thousands of years ago early agriculture sprung

up as a way of life that was very different from the standards of hunting and gathering to get food or supplies.

A little over 11,000 years ago people learned how to grow crops and live on a farm.

I n 1611, the first cow stepped foot in America.

R i c e was likely the first domesticated plant, and the Chinese were cultivating it in 7500 BCE.

Fire was one of the earliest tools used by man to manage crops. Mesopotamian farmers in 5500 BCE developed irrigation sys-

tems u s i n g water from

Every little kid grows a plant in soil at some point, but most have never seen plants growing in air and water. Plant a classroom aeroponic garden and have the kids help maintain it.

Discuss why the plants are/ aren’t growing well.

M

Dirt table sensory bin

Fill your sand or water table with dirt from somewhere local. Give kids little gardening tools they can use to discover the plants and insects living in the dirt.

Play food relay race

Discuss how foods get from farm to table with a fun relay race. Divide into teams of four and station one person from each team at a “farm”, a “factory”, a “store” and a “house” .The first student from the farm takes a pretend food item to the “factory worker” who then takes it to the “store worker” who gets it to the “person at home.” For a longer game, challenge each team to transport three or four different food items separately. (kids.lovetoknow.com) To be continued

y dad isn’t around. How can I talk to my mom about guy stuff?

When you’re going through all the changes of puberty, you should have someone you can go to when you have a question or concern. That person could be your mom. (Moms know about guy stuff, too!)

You could also turn to a male relative, like a grandfather, uncle, or older cousin. When you visit your doctor, you can ask him or her questions. They’re experts in how kids’ bodies grow and change.

One easy place to start is with a website for kids or a good book about growing up.

Your mom could help you find one or you could search the health section in your local library.

Sometimes knowing a few facts can help you feel more comfortable when talking to your mom about growing up. (kidshealth.org)

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP Commissioner “disillusioned” as GECOM sticks with 42-day C&O timeline – says full Commission’s 35-day decision subverted, should have been reinstated

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pposition-nominated Guyana Election Commissioners, who arrived at a meeting on Tuesday hoping that the decision to hold Claims and Objections (C&O) for 42 days would be reviewed, were left sorely disappointed, as a decision was taken to stick with that timeline.

The meeting, which lasted for several hours, saw a vote being taken on the duration of Claims and Objections. At the end of the vote, a decision was taken to stick with 42 days, rather than the 35 days the full Commission had initially decided the exercise would take.

At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Bibi Shadick described herself as being disillusioned by the decision. Shadick claimed that GECOM Chair retired

Justice Claudette Singh gave her assurances on Monday that the 42-day decision would be corrected.

“Interestingly, his (Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield’s) rationale is

GECOM Shadick

Commissioner

Bibi

that because his timeline was catering for elections on the 24 of February, and the President announced March 2, he had seven extra days. And interestingly, he told the Chairman before he put the 42 days and the Chairman did not doubt

him”.

“So my firm opinion is that when the Chairman signed the second order, she knew very well she was signing 42 days, against the decision of the Commission.

That is my firm opinion.

And as far as I’m concerned, this is deja vu. We have another Chairman who is going against decisions of the (full) Commission, without the Commission’s input,” Shadick added.

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Robeson Benn noted that the 35 days should have been sufficient to carry out Claims and Objections. Benn also noted that the 35 days would be in keeping with the decision made by the Commission last week.

“We have had the unsatisfactory occurrence where the Commission made a decision to have 35 days for Claims and Objections (and it has been changed). Originally, (GECOM Commissioner Charles) Corbin was suggesting 49 days, and then 42 days. The Commission decided 35 days, a decision I voted against (last week) because I suggested 28 days”.

“To our surprise, the Chairman somehow signed an original order for 49 days—Mr Corbin’s number.

That error was supposedly corrected, but then it returned as 42 days, not 35 days. We had great disagreement today (Tuesday) about this problem. It came to a vote”.

According to Benn, it was felt that 35 days was sufficient time to give everyone who needed to a chance to participate in C&O. This

was particularly so since the GECOM sub-offices would be open all day for this. Benn noted that the 42-day decision is against the record of the Commission from last week Tuesday’s meeting.

However, Commissioner Vincent Alexander expressed the view that the 42 days and the extra time would actually be a good move. Besides the timeline for Claims and Objections, there were discussions about GECOM sub-offices for Claims and Objections.

A decision has also been taken to have the offices conducting Claims and

Objections remain open all day. According to the

Commissioners, they examined a list of 41 possible sub offices that would be set up. This list, according to Shadick, will be perused by the Commissioners. It is understood that another meeting is scheduled for Friday, where outstanding matters will be dealt with.

As per GECOM’s latest order, persons have until November 11 to make any objections to the list— if they are a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalisation or registration, 18 years or older or will attain the age of eighteen by December 31, 2019.

2011, at Moco Moco Mountain Foot, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), he killed Armando Da Silva.

It was reported that Smith and the deceased, who are known to each other, were imbibing with a group of persons on the day of the incident. However, during the drinking spree, an argument erupted amongst the parties.

Smith, who became annoyed, left the location but later returned armed with a shotgun, which he subsequently used to fatally shoot the now dead man, to his

chest.

After the shooting, the now convicted man dug a shallow grave, in which he buried Da Silva. The matter was reported, and an investigation was launched.

Smith was later arrested and charged for the heinous crime.

As such, Justice Barlow handed down the sentence and ordered that the years the convict spent on remand be deducted from same.

Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay represented Smith, while the State’s case was presented by Prosecutor Sarah Martin.

GECOM Chair Retired, Justice Claudette Singh

“Tarzan” gets 19 years for 2011 killing of Brazilian

H

igh Court Judge, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on Tuesday sentenced 40-year-old Wycliff Smith also called “Tarzan” to a total of 19 years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to the 2011 killing of Brazilian national, Armando Da Silva.

Smith was initially charged for the capital offence of murder but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared at the Demerara High Court on Tuesday.

The charge against him detailed that on January 21,

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Youth gets life imprisonment for killing 18-month-old niece …eligible for parole after 20 years

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fter spending over one year on remand for the murder of his 18-month-old niece, a 22-year-old man of Lot 8 B Field Sophia, Georgetown, will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he pleaded guilty to the heinous crime during his first appearance at the Demerara High Court on Tuesday.

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow sentenced Sherwin Roberts to life imprisonment after he admitted to the capital offence which detailed on September 1, 2017, he murdered Ronasha Pilgrim.

The man was represented by Attorney Maxwell McKay while the State was represented by Prosecutor Sarah Martin.

In presenting the State’s case, Prosecutor Martin in-

Murdered: 18-month-old Ronasha Pilgrim

formed the court that on the day in question, the deceased along with her brothers – aged 10 and 12 years – were left in their house by their father, a security guard, who went to work.

At about 03:30h, their

uncle allegedly broke a northern window, entered the house and attempted to relieve the child of her earrings.

As such, she began to scream and Roberts tossed her through a window into the swamped yard.

Upon leaving, the convict placed a pile of wood on top of the baby, who was left submerged.

Meanwhile, Defence Attorney McKay in a mitigation plea on behalf of his client told the court that he is remorseful for the act and is only 18 years old and this should be considered, however, evidence provided by the State showed that Roberts is 22 years old.

Nevertheless, Justice Barlow in handing down the sentence noted that

And we’re off…

I

Sentenced to life in prison: 22-year-old Sherwin Roberts

the aggravating factors are immense and life imprisonment is more than appropriate for the crime.

Additionally, the Judge noted that Roberts should be eligible for parole after serving 20 years while ordering that he undergo anger management courses during his confinement period.

Duo confess to killing South Road pensioners in 2017

T

wo men, who made their first appearance at the Demerara High Court on Tuesday, are expected to be sentenced for the 2017 murders of

Kissoon and admitted to the manslaughter charge which stated that between October 2 and 3, 2017, during the course of a robbery at South Road, Georgetown, they

Deceased: Constance Fraser and Phyllis Caesar

Constance Fraser and her niece Phyllis Caesar, after they both opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Imran Khan and his accomplice, Steven Andrews, stood before Justice Sandil

killed the women.

Previous reports indicated that the now deceased were found in the upper flat of their home, in their respective bedrooms lying unconscious on their beds.

Caesar’s hands and legs

Guilty of manslaughter: Imran Khan

Steven Andrews

were bound, and a piece of cloth stuffed in her mouth. A Post-Mortem Examination revealed that both women were strangled to death.

The women were last seen by church members and their bodies were subsequently discovered by a church member after they did not show up to church as was customary.

As a result of the guilty plea, the duo are expected to be sentenced on October 24, in order to facilitate the

preparation and presentation of a probation report.

Meanwhile, another of the duo’s accomplices, namely Phillip Suffrein, is also expected to face a high court trial as he was charged jointly with Khan and Andrews at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The State’s case was presented by Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs, while both of the convicted men were represented

by Defence Attorney Keoma Griffith.

Shop owner to stand trial for murder of peacemaker

T

he businessman accused of killing 19-year-old Nyron Vyphuis at Circuit Ville, Yarrowkabra, LindenSoesdyke Highway, was on Tuesday committed to stand trial in the High Court for the heinous crime.

Forty-year-old Anthony Jones, of Circuit Ville, Yarrowkabra, SoesdykeLinden Highway, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The Magistrate informed the suspect that the prosecution, without a doubt, presented sufficient evidence that warrants a trial in the High Court.

The charge against the accused stated that on

Murder Jones

suspect:

Anthony

October 13, 2018, at Circuit Ville, he murdered Vyphuis.

It was reported that on the day in question, the teen was at a liquor shop, owned

by Anthony Jones, in the area. Whist there, the owner, who was imbibing with friends, started to abuse his spouse.

The young man, upon realising what was happening, intervened and attempted to stop the man from harming the woman. At this time, Jones got annoyed and left, but later returned with an axe. The weapon was eventually taken away from him by other persons who were at the shop.

Nevertheless, the furious man went into his home and again armed himself, this time with a knife which he allegedly used to attack and stab the teenager.

The teen, in an effort to escape, ran a short distance, but collapsed to the ground as blood gushed profusely from the wound. Friends of the teenager alerted his family members, who rushed to the scene where they found

Dead: Nyron Vyphuis

his lifeless body lying in a clump of bushes.

The police were contacted and the suspect was taken into custody while the teen’s body was removed from the scene. The mother of the 19-year-old teen is seeking justice for her son.

…for elections?? n the long-running cartoon, “Peanuts”, one of the staple memes was Lucy inviting Charlie Brown to kick a football she’s holding on the ground. But as soon as he’s about to, she cruelly pulls the ball away and he lands on his behind. And no matter how many times she goes back on her word, Charlie chooses to engage in the same behaviour once Lucy promises she won’t renege on her word. He, of course, pays the same price, over and over.

The point of it all is Charlie considers Lucy a friend… but she never was and never will be. She always places her interest above everyone else’s: she’s all about Lucy!

Charlie is actually an “enabler” of Lucy’s cruel behaviour.

He goes back again and again hoping things will be different, but deep in his heart, knows it won’t be. Unless he quits believing her, he’ll continue to be tormented.

And this is where we arrive at David Granger’s apparent volte face to issue a proclamation for elections to be held on March 2, 2020.

Your Eyewitness was one of those who thought Granger was on the up and up when he came into office in 2015. He referred to himself affectionately as “Pressie” and confessed as to how he had a soft spot for the avuncular looking “officer and a gentleman”. But your Eyewitness isn’t Charlie Brown and after a while, he answered the question posed by Bob Dylan: “How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see?” For him, the answer, dear reader, wasn’t blowin’ in the wind.

It was there staring at him in the face: Granger wasn’t any friend of Guyana or the Guyanese people. He only cared about fulfilling the legacy of his hero Burnham – even though that was a legacy that spelled the doom of all that we hold dear. There was the humungous salary raise, the Jubilee scam, the stiffing of the AFC, the racial selectivity in governmental hiring and the vindictive closure of 4 sugar estates. But even those all turned a whiter shade of pale in comparison to what he did to our Constitution over the last year.

For pelf and power, he has degutted the one institution around which we stood a chance of constructing a “Guyanese identity” based on equality of treatment on the substantive rights of our Constitution. How can we trust Granger when he could deny the validly passed NCM through that ridiculous claim that 33 wasn’t the “majority” of 65!!?? Or that the CCJ didn’t meant that elections should’ve been held by Sept 18??

Your Eyewitness won’t be an enabler of Granger’s perfidy! …on the voters’ list??

Now, for the holding of elections, we must first have an “Official List of Elector” (OLE), no? Well, the GECOM Boss Lady said she’ll have such a list by end Feb 2020, and seemingly on that basis, Granger issued his March 2 date. But like we pointed out above, nothing’s ever straight when the PNC’s involved. One of the “crooked” possibilities, intriguingly, was pointed out by the Chronic: “AG urges swift hearing on challenge to non-residents on voters’ list”.

Remember that?? Nah…you thought with Granger’s proclamation, all obstacles were gone!! Well, they’re not.

The Chief Justice, of course, has ruled that there weren’t any residency requirements for Guyanese citizens to vote. Once you’re on the OLE, you can exercise your franchise. GECOM just rescinded an order that would’ve effectuated the resident requirement. But that doesn’t mean anything, does it??

The AG’s claim, after all, will be before the Appellate Court – where two of the three justices agreed with the AG that 33 wasn’t the majority of 65!!

Lightning can strike twice!! …the floods If you needed confirmation of climate change precipitated by global warming, just visit the sea wall around high tide. The Dutch built those walls (mud dams in the beginning) hundreds of years ago.

Never were they “overtopped” like this!!

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

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

1 in custody for Charity supermarket robbery-shooting

…shooting victim air-dashed to city hospital

O

ne suspect has since been apprehended by the Police for the shooting of the 18-year-old daughter of a Charity businesswoman during the commissioning of a robbery by two armed men on Monday evening at the family business.

The injured teen, Feiada Mohammed, is presently in a stable condition after she was air-dashed to a city hospital where she is being treated.

Mohammed was shot to her head around 19:20h when the known suspects invaded the Manzoor Mohammed General Store in Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region (PomeroonSupenaam) under pretence as customers.

Guyana Times understands that the two males

The helicopter that transported Mohammed to Georgetown

The bullet struck the young woman to her forehead. Panicked, the two bandits quickly escaped the

The business remains closed following the shooting

entered the business establishment as the owner, 54-year-old Zareeda Mohammed, was closing for the day.

One of the males, according to reports received, requested a bottle of Diamond Water; however, as Lisana Mohammed, a daughter of the business woman was to assist the men, she was held at gunpoint.

Police sources told Guyana Times that at the time of the robbery, a female customer was held up and taken to the upper flat of the house. The two perpetrators then returned to the lower flat of the property, where they saw Feiada Mohammed and fired a shot in her direction as she attempted to sound an alarm.

scene of the crime.

Mohamed was rushed to the Charity Hospital and then transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until Tuesday, when an army helicopter was used to fly her to the city hospital.

When this publication spoke with an uncle of the injured woman, he relayed that he was told that the men invaded the property where they ransacked and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

According to the man, at the time of the incident, a hotel which, is located next

door to his supermarket, was blaring music.

He noted that he was told by Zareeda Mohammed that the men entered as she was closing up but knowing them, she instructed them to hurry and purchase whatever they needed.

“But after a few minutes passed and she didn’t see them coming out, she yell to ask them what going on because she couldn’t hear what was happening inside because of the loud music from the hotel,” the man explained.

However, shortly after, the woman saw her daughter running towards her with a gunshot to her forehead.

“She run out and tell she that bandits in the house, in the shop and that they tying up the other sisters and that they shot her. She say by time she start squeal and people come and they run into the place the ban-

The alleged main suspect in the robbery

dits them get away from the back” the man disclosed.

The men reportedly were only able to steal the cash earning from Monday’s sales.

“They escape with the days sale, was three of them, they entered the upstairs from a door inside of the store and they ransack the house upstairs but I hear that they didn’t get

anything else because when they heard the gun fire, they started to run” the uncle recalled.

The man disclosed that he was instructed that Feiada Mohammed is in a stable condition as the young woman had regained consciousness.

An investigation and manhunt have since been launched.

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

2nd bridge commissioned in Laing Avenue

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second bridge that was constructed in Laing Avenue, Georgetown was on Tuesday commissioned and would see residents taking full advantage.

The construction of the $3 million bridge, which commenced two weeks ago, was a collaborative initiative of the Communities Ministry and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

According to City Councillor Trichria

Richards, this is the second bridge to have been commissioned.

“This project is one that the Ministry would have undertaken in Constituency 13. We had four projects that were given subvention from the Ministry in the year 2019. The projects are two bridges in Laing Avenue and two community grounds in East and West Ruimveldt,” Richards explained.

She added when the project to rehabilitate the

Carci Bridge, which has been deteriorating for several years, was earmarked, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan readily made the funds available to commence construction.

According to the Councillor, three of the four projects commissioned are completed and the maintenance of the two grounds will be overlooked by the committee that was formed by members of West Ruimveldt community.

Robbery charges against teenager dropped

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teenager who was recently charged and remanded to prison for robbing a man of his mobile phone with an ice pick is now a free man after the charges brought against him were dropped when he reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Upon the commencement of the case, the victim, Fabayon Persaud told Magistrate Dylon Bess that he did not wish to proceed with the matter since he was a Christian and has since forgiven the teen for

his sin.

The victim further stated, “I understand that at time of the crime, he was frustrated and wanted money.”

Magistrate Bess told the defendant: “Consider this man your angel, because he saved you from going to jail for five years.”

Anthony Edwards, 18, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared in court last month and pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on August 1, 2019 at the Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, while being in the compa-

ny of others, armed himself with an ice pick and robbed Persaud of the phone and $26,000 in cash.

The facts of the matter stated that on the day in question, Persaud was walking along the Avenue of the Republic, when he was confronted by Edwards and others.

It was then Edwards placed the weapon to the victim’s side and relieved him of his phone before he and his accomplices made good their escape.

The matter was reported, and the defendant was arrested and charged.

City Councillor Trichria Richard, Rasheed Kellman (Deputy City Engineer) and others at the commissioning

A resident related that the initiative was a good one, especially for the schoolchildren.

“It is good that the bridge is being placed here, so it will be more convenient for the schoolchildren and persons of the community and I do appreciate the effort that is being placed towards it; overall, I am satisfied.”

Another resident, Curt Williams, also called “Chubby”, a well-known comedian, related that he has been living in the community for the past 18 years and the newly-commissioned bridge was about improving the livelihoods of persons living in the community.

Wash bay attendant released on bail for robbery charges

A

wash bay attendant on Tuesday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face two robbery charges.

Nineteen-year-old Shaquille Thomas, of Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse and denied both charges when they were read to him.

The first charge stated that on September 27, 2019 at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of others, he robbed Alfredo Rodrigues of a phone valued $30,000.

It was further alleged that on the same day and location, he robbed Morissa Spencer of a gold chain val-

Shaquille Thomas

ued $216,000.

Based on the facts, on the day in question, the victims were walking along

Robb Street, Georgetown when they were approached by the defendant and other persons.

It was reported that the defendant told the victims to hand over their valuables and without hesitation – out of fear, they did so. Thomas and his accomplices then made good their escape.

The matter was reported and Thomas was subsequently arrested.

The Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Thomas on $75,000 bail and instructed him to report to the City Constabulary until the matter is concluded.

He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on December 17, 2019.

Teen slapped with robbery, 2 other charges A n 18-year-old was on Tuesday slapped with three charges and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shamar Sears appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse and pleaded not guilty to the first charge which stated that on September 27, 2019’ at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being in company of others, he robbed Alfredo Rodrigues of a phone valued $30,000.

He was further accused of unlawfully and maliciously damaging one shirt valued $3000, property of

Trevor Clement while the third charge stated that he also resisted arrest from Police Constable Clement.

According to information, on the day in question, Rodrigues was walking along Robb Street, when Sears and others approached him and robbed him of his phone.

Rodrigues reported the matter and a city Police Officer, who was on Cornhill Street, Stabroek, Georgetown, saw one of the suspects, Sears, and approached him.

The court was told that

the officer attempted to arrest the defendant; however, the two men got into a scuffle and Sears held on to the City Police Officer’s shirt, damaging it in the process.

Hence, Sears was arrested and taken into custody where he was positively identified by the victim as the person who robbed him and charges were instituted.

The Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Thomas on $75,000 bail and instructed him to report to the City Constabulary every Monday and Friday until the determination of the trial.

Sears is slated to make his next court appearance on December 17, 2019.

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt spending $460M on sea defence protection, relief efforts

Representatives from the stakeholder agencies at Tuesday’s National Emergency Operation Centre meeting

F

ollowing last weekend’s flooding from overtopping caused by unusual high tides across the country’s coastline, Government has taken steps to enhance sea defence protection as well as relief items for affected persons.

On Saturday, residents in several coastal villages were underwater from the unprecedented high tides,

ly 148 kilometres was impacted by the floods, including some 65 communities across the various regions with Three and Five facing the severity of the floods.

According to October, the impacts in Region Five were exacerbated by breached sea defence.

Nevertheless, he noted that assessments thus far reveal that approximately 400 households were flood-

which lasted until today.

According to authorities, the communities in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were affected by the current high waters.

Stakeholders from the various agencies responding to the situation met on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the damages from the floods thus far and steps to be taken to prevent or alleviate similar impacts from another bout of high tides expected on October 26, 2019.

Updating the media during the National Emergency Operation Centre meeting, Senior Response Officer, Capt Salim October revealed that across the coastline, a total distance of approximate-

ed, causing items to be damaged. He added too that affected persons have also suffered the loss of cash crops as well as livestock, including poultry and cattle, especially in Region Five.

“Salt water accumulation did not only affect homes but the impacts were also to pasture lands that small- and large-scale ruminants are required to graze. There were noted sea defence structure breaches and overtopping of sea and river defences, which would’ve caused heightened levels of erosion. As well as noted, damage to agriculture inputs and by extension, the cascading effect of that is for loss of usual livelihood, and at this point potential livelihood – particularly, compromised rice crops from salt water accumulation,” he stated.

The Senior Response

Officer went on to outline that a number of response mechanisms have been undertaken, including the relocation of livestock to safe and higher grounds, the use of sandbags to protect properties, dredging drainage canals in communities, distribution of water and cleaning supplies to affected residents, and premature harvesting of crops as well as flash sale of crops and livestock.

October further posited that while there has been notable cooperation from the various Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (RDCs and NDCs), one of the challenges faced was the lack of precautionary response from communities, even after being warned about the impending high tides.

Nevertheless, as they gear up for the second bout of high waters later this month, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson disclosed that steps are being taken to minimise the potential impact from the impending high tides – particularly at the East Coast DemeraraMahaica locations, that is, from Fairview to Danzig.

He noted that already, his Ministry’s Sea and River Defence Department had undertaken corrective works since March this year after the severe erosion was detected. A Contingency Allocation of $460 million was obtained from the Finance Ministry for those emergency corrective works, which entailed procuring rift raft and boulders to secure the sea defence at critical areas along the coastline in Region Five.

But a further Emergency Contingency Allocation had to be secured last weekend in light of the floods.

According to Patterson, there are three breaches and he has been instructed

by Cabinet to immediately

undertake short-term fixes ahead of this month-end’s high tide. This will see multiple contractors and stone suppliers being engaged to secure the already affected areas, which will require more money. The figure of these works is yet to be determined.

“So we have a tight window of 24 days to try to, as fast as possible, seal as much as we can to minimise the damage… Of course, it may or may not be possible to seal everything and stop the overtopping but we want to minimise it,” the Minister asserted, adding that long-term fixes will need more planning and strategising in anticipation of heightened impacts in the future.

Patterson added that a secondary goal now is to ensure that before the yearend rainy season, that the sea defences are intact during that time to prevent a further accumulation of water on low-lying communities.

In the meanwhile, assessments are ongoing in the affected regions countrywide to ascertain the extent of the impacts from last weekend’s high tides.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP), Joseph Harmon, told reporters that while authorities are awaiting the flood water to recede in some areas to conduct the assessment, this has been completed in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six. He noted that already, officials from the CDC – and in the case of Region Three, the Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams – are in these communities delivering relief items to affected

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson during his presentation

residents.

“In the areas where we haven’t delivered anything, it is because we have to await the water receding and make a careful assessment of the damage,” he stated.

Additionally, the MotP Director General told Guyana Times that financial assistance for the affected persons was discussed during Tuesday’s meeting, especially those who suffered losses from their livelihood.

“What we’re thinking about right now is as part of our application to

es.

the Contingency Fund (for the emergence works) for a global sum to be awarded for [financial assistance] and for the Civil Defence Commission to advise on how it is to be dealt with in relation to regions, and working along with the Regional Disaster Preparedness Committees,” Harmon posited.

On the other hand, steps have been by the Public Health Ministry to protect the flood-affected residents against water-borne diseas-

from those affected areas, they are monitoring the situation and continue to partner with relevant agencies.

Among the other stakeholder agencies at Tuesday’s meeting were the Guyana Livestock and Development Authority (GLDA), National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Hydromet Office.

In fact, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, explained that already, the Ministry’s Health Offices in the affected regions have been on high alert. He noted that in addition to advisory on health risks as well as safety and sanitary measures, interventions have been made in terms of distributing chlorine tablets to treat water and cleaning supplies to flood affected households with children.

He noted that while no increase in flood-related disease has been reported

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

NATI student stabbed by classmate in row over bicycle

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student attached to the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) was on Monday afternoon stabbed by his classmate during an argu-

ment over a bicycle.

The teen was identified as 17-year-old Nikeem Noble of Winkle Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Reports are that Nobel,

New Amsterdam Technical Institute

who rides to school, on two previous occasions found that after leaving his bicycle on the school’s premises, he returned only to find flat tyres. This happened again on Monday.

After doing his investigations, he found that it was a classmate who was responsible for the act.

He reportedly confronted his peer and an argument ensued which led to a scuffle. It was during the altercation that the suspect pulled out a sharp object from the waist of his pants and stabbed Noble once to his left side chest.

A teacher at the school intervened and Nobel

Injured: Nikeem Noble

was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

He remains a patient at the medical facility. The classmate was apprehended and handed over to the police. Officials at the school were reluctant to offer a

comment when contacted by Guyana Times In March of this year, a video showed three students being beaten with a belt by a fellow student at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute.

Back then, the Education Ministry had emphasised the need for the institute to be a place of non-violence and had recommended frequent assemblies at the institution and that sections of the rules and procedures be discussed at the assemblies.

Last month when asked what systems have since been put in place to prevent a reoccurrence, the acting

Principal told the media that the school has been following the rules and regulations of the Ministry and they have put systems in place to prevent such instances.

The Education Ministry had also said the Institute should launch an anti-bullying campaign to ensure that students are sensitised on the negative effects of bullying and that the Institute is to be declared a “no-bullying” institution.

However, when the issue was raised with the school last month, the acting Principal did not say if those measures were implemented.

Teen goes missing after visiting relatives on Linden-Soesdyke Highway …almost 1 month after, Police yet to offer assistance

P

aula Ann-James, a resident who hails from Region One (Barima-Waini) is now seeking the public’s assistance in locating her 15-year-old son, Jesse James, who disappeared almost three weeks ago after being left in the care of his grandfather, on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Guyana Times understands that the teen went missing sometime around September 11, one month after his mother left him in the care of his grandfather to travel back to the North West District to transact

business.

The mother in an interview with this publication on Tuesday explained that she last saw her son on August 15, the day she left for Region One. The frustrated woman added that almost one month after returning home, she was contacted by a relative informing her that the younger James went missing.

However, according to James, upon inquiring about her son’s whereabouts, a distant relative known to them as Romeo James related that the teen was left in the compa-

ny of another male at the Soesdyke Junction.

Nevertheless, the worried mother related that a report was subsequently filed at the Kuru Kururu Police Station but when the distant relative was questioned, another version of the story was disclosed to the police ranks.

“The last time I saw him was the 15 of August, I left him with daddy…Romeo came home September 9, and they called the Wednesday which was September 11. We don’t know him [Romeo] but

Missing: Jesse James

we got to know him now that we’re here…When he [Romeo] call me through the phone he didn’t say he [son] was in any hotel.

He said he left my son at Soesdyke in a car with a next man, who came together with him from Bartica. But now when I gone to report, the police call Romeo and he told a next story, saying that he left my son in a hotel” she stated.

Meanwhile, a cousin of the teen, who asked not to be mentioned, told this publication that even though a report was filed

at the community’s police station, no action was taken, rather they were advised to look for the missing teenager themselves.

“So I went and make a report to the station and they didn’t do anything about it, they tell me that me and Romeo have to go at the hotel and look for the boy.” The cousin noted.

As such, they are asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the young James to contact telephone number number 678 6927 or the nearest police station.

(Leah Hernandez)

GWI to roll out another increase in water rates

– FITUG says increase will be additional burden

F

ollowing a decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) last year, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is expected to introduce another increase in its water rates.

This did not sit well with the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which described the move as “another burden”.

Last year, the PUC approved the utility company’s request to increase its water rates.

The first round of increases took effect in October 2018 and another round was slated for October 2019.

It said the implementation of the increases in a graduated format was an attempt to alleviate the financial burden on consumers.

FITUG, in a press release on Tuesday, said it has calculated that unmetered customers will see their monthly rates going up by approximately 200 per cent.

“For the ordinary workers and their families, it’s a cost they can ill-afford but a service that cannot do without either,” the Trade Union posited.

In granting the approval for an increase last year, the PUC recognised that the proposed monthly consumption

charge would initially result in great hardship to the rural areas.

As a result, the Commission had determined that there would be a graduated rate for consumers who are currently paying $60.90 per cubic metre.

Nonetheless, according to FITUG, the imposition of higher water rates cannot be disconnected from the multitude of hikes in the cost of Government services; the expansion of the range of goods and services that attract VAT, and the withdrawal of useful and helpful public support to our working-people.

“The boastful explanations we have seen in recent and previous times about higher tax revenues is a sordid indicator of how much more has been extracted from the Guyanese people,” the Trade Union contended, asserting that “indeed, the cost-of-living has risen tremendously”.

Data emanating from the most recently available Bureau of Statistics – Statistical Bulletin indicates that between March, 2016 and September, 2018 that the cost of white rice has risen by 30 per cent, flour went up by 29 per cent, sugar was up by 27 per cent, cooking

gas rose by 24 per cent and salt increased by 83 per cent.

At the same time, the Bureau’s Guyana Labour Force Survey Report 2018 indicates that the unemployment rate rose from 12.2 per cent at the end of 2017 to 13.8 per cent at the end of 2018. In the same period, youth unemployment rose from 22.9 per cent to 25.6 per cent. The report also disclosed that earnings of workers also declined during the period.

“Indeed, when taken together the situation for the Guyanese working-class does not appear to be rosy.

Workers and their families are facing undoubtedly real challenges in making ends meet and times, it seems, are getting tougher,” FITUG expressed.

Efforts to contact GWI for a comment on the matter proved futile.

News

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over 300 acres of rice destroyed as flooding in Region 5 worsens

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loodwaters continue to rise following the breach at Dantzig, Mahaica foreshore, thus causing severe flooding in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

On Monday evening the water levels reached new records and new areas became inundated. Animals continue to die and schools

date them on relief efforts.

Despite this, the Ministers of Agriculture, Public Infrastructure and Health are still to visit any of the affected areas in the region.

Meanwhile, the blame has been placed on the previous Administration.

Residents say that persons were in the community and

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

in the area remain closed.

However, those who were forced out of their home on Sunday evening have all been rescued by relatives and friends but cannot return to their homes.

Residents have been calling for senior Government officials to visit the affected area to up-

told them that the breach at Dantzig occurred 23 years ago and nothing was done about it.

“They say is when the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] was in Government…”

Residents expressed surprise at the accusations, saying that there was no flooding as a result of in-

trusion from the sea prior to last weekend.

However, the residents related that an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Jenipher Wade, visited them and made the accusations.

Earlier in the year, Guyana Times published stories highlighting the fragile sea defence at Mahaica.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal is saddened that residents and farmers have been made to suffer.

“I would have highlighted this situation with the sea defence more than one and a half year ago when it started and little attention was paid to this situation by the Government.

There were Government officials who refuted what I said and they tried to give people that I was propelling the wrong information. However, I did make mention of the consequences which we are experiencing today,” Ramphal told Guyana Times.

More than 300 acres of rice have been destroyed and hundreds of acres more are under threat of destruction by saltwater.

Apart from the destruction of the rice, the flooded land

This photo shows the severity of the flooding in Region Five

is becoming salty and can no longer work for rice production.

Ramphal said he is not getting the necessary support. “There are huge loses, people have been affected, some children cannot attend school; many of them have to remain indoor and some families don’t know where to turn to. I would have engaged several governmental agencies, such as the NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] and the river and sea defence and I must

say that they are on board.

However, I am very disappointed with the response of some of the other agencies right in the region here we have MMA [Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority] and it took me over 24 hours before I can get to the General Manager…”

The River and Sea Defence Unit has been at work since the breach was highlighted. The Civil Defence Commission has also issued supplies to af-

fected residents.

However, some residents have expressed concerns that other breaches could have occurred given the fact that the entire area is flooded and it is impossible to properly assess the situation. They have also noted that water has been pouring in from a different direction.

Ramphal said he will continue to engage every possible organisation which can bring some form of relief to affected residents.

(Andrew Carmichael)

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wednesday, october 2, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

GTT’s “Pinktober” continues to raise awareness of cancers in Guyana ...need for more collaboration to help save lives – GTT CEO we doing this? GTT takes pride in bringing people together and connecting people…it is important for us to be connected to drive things like early detection right through to palliative

populace and reminded that the fight against this deadly disease is everybody’s business.

The GTT CEO stated that there is scope for improvement in relation

it is absolutely important that we continue to come together because if everybody puts just a little bit, we can save lives together. We do look forward to stronger policy…and from

money.”

The concept of Pinktober was birthed out of a marriage between the significance of the colour pink in the cancer society and the month of October which is a

GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd

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he list of activities for the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GTT’s) flagship “Pinktober Month” for 2019 officially commenced on Monday with a cancer symposium and the telecommunications giant is urging that more corporate entities join its fight against all forms of cancer.

Pinktober month is aimed at raising cancer awareness and facilitating access to support for all Guyanese. In 2017, GTT raised $4 million while

in 2018 the company was able to almost triple that amount.

This initiative has resulted in the company being able to continue its fight against cancer by providing support to multiple foundations and according to GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, for this year, his company aims to do more.

“Today is the October 1st and it kicks off a series of events that we have for the month, the month of Pinktober. And why are

A section of the gathering at GTT’s Pinktober Month 2019 Cancer Symposium at Duke Lodge on Tuesday

care”, Nedd stated.

At the symposium, various health officials and guest speakers elaborated on the various forms of cancer affecting the Guyanese

to cancer awareness and treatment and, therefore, it is necessary that more persons get on board.

“We have quite a bit of work to do and that is why

the organisations’ end and from the individuals’ end we really want to collaborate and come together and raise funds because much of this cost quite a bit of

month set aside for Cancer Awareness.

This initiative by GTT is held annually and has created a calendar of activities that will engage the public.

PSC welcomes issuance of election proclamation – says political uncertainty was unsettling for business, country

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he issuance of an election proclamation

by President David Granger on Monday is being welcomed by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which also expressed hope that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) would show the professionalism it did in previous elections.

In an interview with this publication on Tuesday, PSC Chairman Retired Captain Gerry Gouveia lauded the issuance of the proclamation, which confirmed March 2, 2020 as the date for long overdue General and Regional elections.

“While these electrons are long overdue and the uncertainty was very unsettling for the private sector. We are pleased that the country seems to be on the

track to return to normalcy,” Gouveia said.

“We hope that the same levels of efficiency and professionalism we saw in 2011 and 2015 by GECOM is demonstrated in 2020,” Gouveia added, also lauding the work done so far

by GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh.

It was only on Tuesday that a decision to hold Claims and Objections (C&O) for 42 days was formalised by GECOM. It is an extension of the previous 35 days that the Commission had initially decided to hold the exercise for last week.

The President issued two proclamations officially declaring March 2, 2020 as elections day. The declaration, which is dated October 1, 2019, was issued in accordance with Article 61 of the

PSC Chair, Retired Captain Gerry Gouveia

Guyana Constitution, which states that the President shall by proclamation appoint a day for an election under Article 60 (2), and that an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held under Article 60 (2).

To this end, the President proclaimed that “…in pur-

suance of the said Article 61, I do hereby appoint the 2nd day of March, 2020, as the day on which an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held under the said article 60 (2)”.

President Granger had come under immense pressure to issue his proclamation over the past few

weeks. After almost a year of procrastination following his government’s defeat to a No-Confidence Motion, President David Granger on Wednesday last announced March 2, 2020, as the “earliest possible” date for elections, during an address to the nation.

In his address to the nation, Granger had spoken of a need for a return to the National Assembly in order to seek an extension of time for his government in office.

According to the President, the Government of Guyana “must, as a consequence, return to the National Assembly to request an extension. The National Assembly reconvenes on 10th October 2019”.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has repeatedly affirmed that it would

not return to the National Assembly to grant the Government the two-thirds vote it needs to extend its life in power.

At the time, the President was coming under increasing pressure to name an election date; something he had promised to do after he was advised by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). And Granger was indeed briefed

by GECOM Chair Retired Justice Claudette Singh that the agency would be able to hold elections at the end of February.

Last week, the Commonwealth became the latest in a line of organisations to urge the President to call elections immediately. Similar calls also came from the United States, British and European Union diplomatic representatives.

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wednesday, october 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Aircraft flips on landing at Bethany A David Granger, APNU/ AFC invisible as thousands struggle against flooding

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he flooding affecting thousands of Guyanese the last few days provide another opportunity for the people of Guyana to recognise the significant differences between the two main political groups – Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali and the PPP leaders always respond to people when they face crisis; David Granger and his APNU/AFC colleagues always seem to be missing in action.

Expected flooding as a result of unusual high tides impacted dozens of villages around the country since last Friday, causing damage to properties, livestock and crops in many parts of Regions 2,3,4,5 and 6. These floods were not unexpected. The HydroMet Office had issued an advisory of extremely Dr Leslie Ramsammy high tides that would lead to significant overtopping and possible damages to sea defences. The illegal government did nothing to intervene.

During the several days of flooding and misery that many families suffered, Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali and many PPP leaders have been visible everywhere, offering support and assistance to people, letting them know they were not alone, calling on relevant government agencies to help. David Granger and APNU/ AFC were totally invisible, while illegally holding on to offices.

Worse, people expected Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali and other PPP leaders to be there with them. None of them were shocked that David Granger and APNU/AFC leaders were missing in action; they have come to expect that from them. The PPP leaders have shown during the twenty-three years in government and in the last five years outside of government that their place is with people when people face difficult circumstances. One thing people have learnt is that APNU/AFC are always MIA during crisis, they are always far from where crisis exists.

During the last few days of flooding, APNU/AFC have used their illegal titles and government resources to fly out of the country illegally representing Guyana, to go to the hinterland bearing gifts paid for by taxpayers to bribe people. In all instances, they were far from where people really needed support and help. In the midst of suffering caused by floods, Granger and APNU/AFC, while invisible where people needed support and assistance, were out making more empty promises and giving out hand-outs paid for by taxpayers’ money. Granger, himself, still illegally holding on to the title of President, was out in St Cuthberts— an Amerindian Village.

He was accompanied by dozens of riot squad Police and innumerable Police and other security. It is Amerindian Heritage Month and there is nothing wrong with Granger being there. But there were dozens of villages affected by flooding not far away, and at no time did he even acknowledge, much less make his presence felt. Jagdeo and Ali made their presence felt, letting people know they share their pain. Granger chose to stay as far away as possible, not even giving the slightest signal he cares.

Nagamootoo, the illegal Prime Minister, was busy defending APNU/AFC from the disgrace of withholding advertisement from Stabroek News as a punishment for that newspaper highlighting the incompetency and corruption of APNU/AFC. Nagamootoo is out-front working against media freedom. But he also was out in Lethem telling people APNU/AFC will convert the Lethem Airstrip to an international hub. He ignored telling people they voted against an upgrade of that airstrip in 2014 and that in five successive budgets, APNU/AFC has never appropriated funds for this purpose. Now, it is election time, they come with more empty promises. Even as he comes bearing gifts, with empty promises, not once did he mention the thousands of Guyanese presently facing crisis because of flooding.

Ramjattan, meanwhile, was busy justifying why he must be the next Prime Minister Candidate for APNU/AFC. Amna Ally took time to hand out a computer to a Guyanese who returned from Bahamas. Karen Cummings was out at the UN calling Granger Danger.

None of these are particularly bad things, but surely none of these should have prevented them from providing leadership as people struggle in the flooded areas. After all, they will soon come to these same people promising them heaven on earth, but in time of real difficulties, APNU/AFC is missing in action.

The most disgraceful non-presence must be that of Noel Holder and David Patterson. Holder was at Interfaith Service, not a bad thing, where he spoke of agriculture being the future of Guyana. Agriculture, for sure, has a critical role to play in the Guyana of tomorrow. But Holder has spent the last almost five years doing everything to destroy agriculture.

He has been the man in charge as the sugar industry has been decimated, as farmers have been punished with new and increased lease and rental payments, as farmers have had significant subsidies withdrawn and as farmers have been left to fend for themselves as they face flooding and droughts. When rice farmers needed help to get paid for their paddy, Holder disowned them because he deemed them part of the private sector. As farmers today battle the scourge of floods, Holder is completely missing in action, except to tell the farmers from afar that agriculture is our future.

It is all sheer hypocrisy.

Cessna 182 aircraft flipped over upon landing at the Bethany airstrip in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Tuesday. The incident occurred sometime around 17:37h.

According to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the light aircraft is privately-owned and oper-

ated. It reported that upon landing the airstrip, the aircraft hit a pile of dirt, causing it to flip.

The GCAA said there were no injuries or fatalities from the incident. However, nothing was reported about the extent of the damage to the aircraft.

Nevertheless, GCAA and the Aircraft Accident and

Incident Investigation Unit (AIG) have commence their investigation into the accident.

This incident comes on the heels when another plane accident in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) involving an aircraft owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

It was reported that the

plane hit a structure that was nearby upon landing at the Rose Hall airstrip. No injuries or fatalities were recorded in that incident as well and the aircraft was not badly damaged.

Director General of the GCAA, Lt Colonel Egbert Field had confirmed at the time that a probe was launched into the incident.

Government committed to augmenting investment in education sector

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inister of State, Dawn HastingsWilliams on Monday commended teachers and educators for their continued dedication to moulding the nation’s children and reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing in the sector.

The Minister made these statements in her feature address at the Guyana Teachers’ Union’s (GTU) statutory branch meeting, which was held at the Friendship Primary School, Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

She said that education is the pathway to equality and teachers are the driving force behind upward mobility. The Minister noted that it is important that educators are recognised for their important role in nation-building.

“As an educator, you are called to mould the minds of you[r] learn[ers]… with the knowledge needed to succeed… The Government under the leadership of President [David] Granger recognises the values of educators and are cognisant that in order to have greater success in the education sector, more resources are needed and we will continue to work towards ensuring that those needs are met,”

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams (seated, centre) is flanked by, from left to right seated: GTU Buxton branch Chairman, Collis Nicholson; GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald; Acting Regional Education Officer (REO), Department of Education Region Four, Tiffany Harvey; and Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee (REC), Ryan Belgrave. Other members of the GTU Buxton branch are pictured standing

Minister Hastings-Williams said.

The Minister also said that she was particularly pleased to have been invited to deliver the feature remarks at the meeting on World Teachers’ Day 2019, which has been themed “I teach for a better world Consolidating for greater success in the future”.

Minister HastingsWilliams said the Government remains committed to making substantial investments in the sector in order to realise the President’s goal of making

Guyana an “education nation”. She reminded that the Head of State had committed to ensuring that a substantial portion of the revenues earned from the sustainable development of the petroleum sector would be invested in education.

“In order to consolidate greater success in the future, the Government is preparing our young people for the jobs of the future in order for them to enjoy ‘the good life’ that is [why] we have invested $170 billion on education,” she said.

The Minister then en-

couraged the educators to continue to be agents of positive change in the lives of their students.

Meanwhile, GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald’s remarks encouraged the teachers to do their best to ensure that their students become well-rounded individuals.

“We have recognised not only yesterday, but over the years, that education is essential to living a fulfilling and better life… Education is the fundamental right of every citizen in our land and it is capable of bringing about the desired changes and the upliftment in the human mind and the society,” she said.

Additionally, Acting Regional Education Officer (REO), Department of Education Region Four, Tiffany Harvey said that the theme for World Teachers’ Day resonated with her personally and she encouraged the teachers to use it to motivate themselves. She recommitted the Regional Education Office’s efforts to ensuring that teachers’ needs are met in a timelier manner. GTU- Buxton branch Chairman, Collis Nicholson and Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee, Ryan Belgrave also attended the meeting

Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary: The father of the nation’s international influence

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o h a n d a s Karamchand Gandhi — a political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule— was born on October 2, 1869. Fondly remembered as the Father of the Nation, he is known to have inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, October 2, is not only commemorated in India as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, but is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence.

Gandhi and his international influence

Gandhi influences a number of important leaders and political movements across the world. Leaders of civil rights movements in the United States, including Martin Luther King Jr,

Mahatma Gandhi

James Lawson, and James Bevel, drew from the writings of Gandhi in the development of their own theories about nonviolence.

Martin Luther King even went on to say, “Christ gave us the goals and Mahatma Gandhi the tactics,” and would even refer to Gandhi as the “little brown saint”.

Former President of South Africa, Nelson

Mandela; Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Steve Biko, and Aung San Suu Kyi all are believed to have been influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. In fact, in his early years, Mandela was a follower of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

European author Romain Rolland too discussed Gandhi in his 1924 book Mahatma Gandhi and Brazilian feminist Maria Lacerda de Moura too wrote about Gandhi in her work on pacifism. The influence of Gandhi was also seen in European physicist Albert Einstein, who called Gandhi a role model for future generations. Einstein even would go on to credit Gandhi with having created new and humane means for the liberation war of a country that was oppressed.

Gandhi’s influence was even seen in the works of Lanza del Vasto, who ar-

rived in India in 1936 intending to live with Gandhi and later returned to Europe to spread the Gandhian philosophy and start the Community of the Ark, modelled on Gandhi’s ashrams.

John Lennon too referred to Gandhi when discussing his views on nonviolence and former US Vice-President and environmentalist Al Gore spoke of Gandhi’s influence on him.

In fact, former US President Barack Obama too spoke about the Gandhian influence in 2009, when questioned “Who was the one person, dead or alive, that you would choose to dine with?” he referred to Mahatma Gandhi.

Notably, Gandhi’s best influence as a world leader can be seen in the fact that the International Day of Nonviolence is observed on 2nd October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. (NEWS 18)

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, october 2, 2019

Regional

Peru military, Police back Vizcarra as rebel lawmakers vow loyalty to VP

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eru’s armed forces and Police reaffirmed allegiance to President Martin Vizcarra late on Monday after his move to close Congress prompted dozens of dismissed lawmakers to pledge loyalty to the Vice President in a deepening political standoff.

Earlier in the day, Vizcarra scheduled new legislative elections for January 26 to end a yearlong feud with the cur-

rent Congress, accusing the right-wing Opposition of using anti-democratic tactics to block his efforts to stamp out corruption.

The closure of Congress has widespread support in Peru, where lawmakers are some of the most despised officials after an eruption of graft scandals in recent years have eroded trust in political parties and institutions.

But dozens of members

Police keep watch outside Congress after President Martin Vizcarra shut down Congress in Lima, Peru [Photo by: REUTERS/Guadalupe Pardo]

of the Opposition called it a “coup” and refused to leave Congress. As protesters gathered at the building in downtown Lima to pressure them to leave, dismissed lawmakers sang the national anthem inside in a ceremony to declare Vice President Mercedes Araoz the interim president.

Some Peruvians worry that the crisis could lead to a protracted legal battle over the constitutional grounds of

the rarely-used manoeuvre, or even potential clashes if authorities move in to remove lawmakers by force.

Peru’s top military brass visited Vizcarra at the presidential palace late in the evening. The Police and the joint command of the army, navy and air forces reaffirmed they recognised Vizcarra as President and Commander inChief in separate statements afterward. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Concern still persists over Mexican Finance Minister says long-term drought in the Caribbean tax reform may be necessary

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he Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) Tuesday said that while there is less concern over short-term drought, there remains much concern over long term drought as the end of the year approaches.

In its latest Caribbean Drought Bulletin released here, the CIMH said that the drought situation is of even more concern given that the wet season is also coming to an end.

“This enhances concerns related to water availability moving into

the dry season. In particular, underground water sources and large, rivers could continue to be depleted, particularly in portions of the eastern Caribbean, French Guiana ad Belize”.

The CIMH said that long term drought situation – by end of November2019 – is of immediate concern in south-eastern Belize, while noting that longterm drought is evolving in Antigua , Barbados, northern and central Belize, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, St Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago.

It said that long term drought might possibly

continue in Hispaniola and Martinique and might also develop in northern Puerto Rico, St Martin, St Vincent and the United States Virgin Islands.

“Areas ending up in long term drought may experience significantly reduced water levels in large reservoirs, large rivers and groundwater during the upcoming dry season,” the CIMH added.

In a review of the situation in the region for August, the CIMH said that there were mixed conditions were seen throughout the islands of the eastern Caribbean. (CMC)

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exico’s Finance Minister said on Tuesday that the country may eventually require a revamped tax code, although he reiterated President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s promise of no new taxes during the first three years of the administration.

“The tax structure will not change in the first three years, but we have to think about what tax structure the country will need in 2022 and beyond,” Finance Minister Arturo Herrera said at an event in Mexico City.

It was unclear how far-reaching such a new structure might be, and

Herrera did not provide further details.

Herrera, who was named Finance Minister in July, said the Government is designing counter-cyclical measures to boost the economy.

In late July, the government unveiled a $25 billion stimulus package. Herrera said at the time that the package would include credits, accelerating spending this year and bringing purchases of goods and services that had been scheduled for 2020 forward.

The Mexican economy barely escaped a recession in the first half of the year.

(Reuters)

Mexico’s Finance Minister Arturo Herrera gives a speech after he presented the 2020 national budget to Laura Angelica Rojas (not pictured), President of the Lower House of Congress at the Congress building in Mexico City, Mexico

China says it provides aid to in maritime sector eager to Caribbean with no strings attached Women establish a Professional Women in

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hina has no interest in imposing its development model on other nations, like those in the Caribbean for which it provides aid, but it does believe it can offer lessons for those countries, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official.

Addressing foreign journalists gathered in Beijing for celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Director General of the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying said the Asian na-

tion “will never be as keen as some countries to engage in ideological export or model replication”.

President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, Wu Hailong further sought to assure that “no matter how much China develops, we will not pose a threat to others”.

Chunying, addressing a media forum of developing countries under the theme, ‘China in My Eyes: 70 Years of Impressions and Reflections’, said that the country’s achievements over the past seven decades demonstrate what is pos-

sible for all developing nations.

China, despite being the world’s second-largest economy, is still not classified as a developed nation.

The World Bank defines a high-income country – or developed country — by setting the threshold for gross national income (GNI) per capita at US$12,055, but China’s GNI per capita, although steadily rising, remains below that threshold, at US$9,470 in 2018.

Chunying said China had accomplished what developed countries have done for hundreds of years. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Trinidad: No bail for Beetham trio on gang charges

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hree men from east Port-of-Spain have been denied bail after appearing in court on gang charges.

Ancil Villafana, Kevon Franklyn, and Keedel Montrose, all of Beetham Gardens, appeared before Chief Magistrate Maria Busby-Earle-Caddle in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court, this morning.

Villafana and Franklyn were both charged with being the leaders of an unnamed gang, while all three were charged with providing support to a gang in the commission of gang-related

activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between September 27, last year, and April 10.

The trio was not called upon to plead to the charges, which were laid indictable.

During the hearing, Police prosecutors objected to bail under the Bail Amendment Act 2019, as they claimed that firearms were used in the commission of the offences.

Busby-Earle-Caddle questioned whether they had evidence to buttress their claim.

“Why were they not

charged for those offences?”

Busby-Earle-Caddle said.

Busby-Earle-Caddle then suggested that they may fall under a section of the legislation which denies bail to persons charged with serious and violent offences including under the Anti-Gang Act, in the event that they have previous or pending cases of a similar nature.

However, Busby-EarleCaddle could not make a determination on the issue as police informed the court that the T&T Police Service (TTPS) criminal record database system was not operational, since last Thursday. (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)

[Photo by: REUTERS/Luis Cortes]

Maritime network in Antigua & Barbuda

WiMAC’s National Liaison Officer, Shenica Sebastian; Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the IMO and Director/Registrar General of ADOMS (middle) and participants in attendance at the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Awareness Seminar held in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

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group of vibrant women in the Maritime Industry in Antigua and Barbuda participated in a Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) Awareness Seminar on the occasion of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) World Maritime Day on of September 26, 2019under the theme “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”.

According to a release, the theme was chosen by the IMO, the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution from

ships.

The Quality Management Representative, HR and Administration Manager and National Liaison Officer for WiMAC Shenica Sebastian, and Registrar and Alternative Liaison Officer of WiMAC, Maxime James, supported by Administrative Assistant of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) Shenique Barry, spearheaded the initiative.

The objective of the WIMAC Awareness Seminar was to sensitise Antiguans and Barbudans to the existence of a regional network within the Caribbean established to engage, educate and

empower women working in the Maritime Industry.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the IMO and Director/Registrar General of ADOMS, Ambassador Dwight C R Gardiner said: “This WiMAC Awareness Seminar is timely and geared towards empowering women which is in line with the IMO World Maritime Day theme”.

He urged the participants to build and increase their networking capabilities and offered his support to advancing the development of women in the maritime sector in Antigua and Barbuda. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, october 2, 2019

17

Around the World

Police shoot teen protester as Hong Kong violence escalates

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ong Kong Police shot a teenage protester on Tuesday, the first to be hit by live ammunition in almost four months of unrest in the Chinese-ruled city, amid violent clashes on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic.

Cat-and-mouse clashes spread from the shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Admiralty area of Government offices on Hong Kong island, and then

on to the New Territories bordering mainland China, with Police firing tear gas and water cannon at petrol bomb-throwing activists.

Police said an officer shot an 18-year-old man in the shoulder in the Tsuen Wan area of the New Territories with a live round. Protesters have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets and officers have fired live rounds in the air.

Police Chief Stephen

Lo said the firing of live rounds - which were discharged in three places was lawful and fair.

Dramatic video footage of the Tsuen Wan shooting shows a chaotic melee with riot police battling protesters wielding metal bars, before an officer fires a shot at close range.

Tuesday’s violence was the most widespread since the unrest erupted in early June, plunging the former British colony into its big-

An anti-Government protester shelters with a traffic sign during a demonstration in Sha Tin district, on China’s National Day in Hong Kong, China, October 1, 2019

gest political crisis in decades and posing the most serious popular challenge to President Xi Jinping since he came to power.

Protesters had vowed to seize the opportunity on China’s National Day to propel their calls for greater democracy onto the international stage, hijacking an occasion Beijing sees as an opportunity to showcase China’s economic and military progress. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Finland college attack: Sword 2 protesters killed as Iraq anti-Government rallies turn violent attacker kills woman in Kuopio

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t least two protesters have been killed and scores of people have been wounded in Iraq as Police clashed with anti-Government demonstrators, according to officials.

Hundreds of people, including university graduates, took to the streets of the capital and other cities on Tuesday to protest against unemployment, corruption and poor services.

In the main protest in Baghdad, demonstrators clashed with security forces who used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to disperse those protesting.

In a statement, the Government’s Media Unit cited the Health Ministry as saying that one protester was killed in Baghdad, while 200 people, including 40 members of the security forces, were wounded.

Many of those injured were later released from hospital, with 50 people remaining to receive medical treatment, the statement

A

Demonstrators gather during a protest against Government corruption amid dissatisfaction at lack of jobs and services at Tahrir square in Baghdad

said.

The Government blamed “groups of riot inciters” for the violence and said the security forces were working to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters.

Separately, news agencies quoted hospital officials and Police sources as saying that one protester was killed and around 20 others were wounded during anti-Government demonstrations in Nasiriyah, about 320km (200 miles) southeast of Baghdad, that

turned violent.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mustafa Saadoon, Director of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, accused anti-riot police in Baghdad of using “excessive force and tear gas against the protesters that resulted in the death of three protesters and the wounding of more than 250”.

The number of people killed and wounded could not be independently verified. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

As economic crisis deepens, Zimbabwe’s President pleads for patience

Z

i m b a b w e ’ s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pleaded for time and patience to bring the country’s economy back from the “dead”, as his Government faces blame for surging inflation that evokes dark days under late former leader Robert Mugabe.

Hopes that the economy would quickly rebound under Mnangagwa, who took over after Mugabe was deposed in a coup in November 2017, have faded fast with Zimbabweans grappling with acute shortages of fuel and electricity as well as soaring prices.

In a state of the nation address in the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Tuesday a speech boycotted by the main Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) which disputes his election - Mnangagwa acknowledged the economic crisis as well as the need for reforms.

Zimbabwe has suspended the publication of official annual inflation data since

woman has been killed and 10 other people wounded in an attack at a vocational school in the Finnish city of Kuopio, Police say.

A witness told Finnish media that a student entered Savo College carrying a sword and stabbed several people.

Police said the suspect was carrying a “sabre-like weapon” and a gun.

An unnamed witness was quoted as saying that he stabbed the woman in the neck and the stomach. The

suspect was later arrested by armed Police.

Those wounded were aged between 15 and 50 and most of them were women, the Head of the hospital said. The age of the woman who died was not yet known.

Police said officers used a firearm when detaining the man after arriving at the school, which is in a shopping centre south of the centre of Kuopio. A small fire had been started by the attacker but it was quickly put out.

No motive for the at-

tack has been given but Police have since searched the home of the man, who is described as a native Finn born in 1994 who was a student at the college.

Another witness told local radio that officers had confronted the suspect, and two shots had been fired.

The suspect was among those wounded in the attack. A police officer was also reportedly injured. Two people are said to be in a serious condition but neither has life-threatening injuries. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Final proposal: UK PM Johnson to unveil Brexit offer to EU

P

rime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his final Brexit offer today to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on Oct 31.

In his closing speech to his governing Conservatives’ annual conference, Johnson will stick to his hard line on Brexit, offering the party faithful the first details of what he will describe as his “fair and reasonable compromise”.

With less than a month until Britain is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit, the country’s biggest trade and foreign policy shift in more than 40 years, is uncertain. Britain could leave with a deal, without one or not

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares his keynote speech which he will deliver to the Conservative party conference today, in Manchester, Britain October 1, 2019

exit at all.

Johnson, who said Britain will leave the bloc on Oct 31 no matter what, will tell the conference he will send his proposal to Brussels today, an attempt to secure a deal to smooth the country’s departure and avoid a potentially economically damaging no-deal Brexit.

More than three years after Britain voted to leave the

EU in a 2016 referendum, Brexit talks are at an impasse.

Johnson has been firm that the Oct 31 deadline will be met, but Parliament has put roadblocks in his way passing a law that requires the Prime Minister to request a Brexit delay if he fails to secure an acceptable deal at an EU summit on Oct 17. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India shelves plan on countrywide ban on single-use plastic products Zimbabwe currently has the world’s highest inflation rate, according to the International Monetary Fund [Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters]

August 1. In its last official figures, inflation hit more than 175 per cent in June, its highest level since hyperinflation under Mugabe wiped out the economy in 2009.

Mnangagwa’s opponents accuse him of lacking commitment to political reforms and using his predecessor’s heavy-handed tactics to stifle dissent.

The International

Monetary Fund said last week that Zimbabwe needed to intensify reform efforts and meaningfully improve transparency to boost economic growth.

Mnangagwa and senior officials say they are doing their best to lay the foundations for future growth, and they blame Western sanctions for hampering recovery and deterring investment. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

I

ndia has held off imposing a blanket ban on single-use plastics to combat pollution, officials said on Tuesday, a measure seen as too disruptive for industry at a time when it is coping with an economic slowdown and job losses.

The plan was for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to outlaw six items today, the 150th anniversary of the birth of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, as part of a broader campaign to rid India of single-use plastics by 2022.

For now, Government will ask states to enforce existing rules against storing, manufacturing and using some single-use plastic products such as polythene bags and styrofoam, Chandra Kishore Mishra, the top bureaucrat at the Ministry Of Environment, told Reuters.

The Government’s proposed countrywide ban had dismayed consumer firms, which use plastic in packaging for everything from sodas and biscuits to ketchup and shampoo.

The Confederation of Indian Industry, a lobby group, said the move had become an existential issue for several economic sectors because alternatives were not immediately available.

Plastic waste is at epidemic proportions in the world’s oceans with an estimated 100 million tonnes dumped there to date, according to the United Nations. Scientists have found large amounts of microplastic in the intestines of deep-dwelling ocean mammals like whales.(Excerpt from Reuters)

18

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wednesday, OCTOber 2, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Don’t leave anything unfinished or to chance.

Partnerships should be handled delicately to bring about positive changes that will improve prospects for future dealings.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Step in and do something. You can make a difference if you use your voice to point out what’s fair and what isn’t. You’ll gain respect and leave a lasting impression.

You’ll be drawn into emotional situations. Listen to the options being offered and consider whether you want to get involved. Joint ventures look dicey. Protect your possessions and reputation.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Refuse to let the actions of others stop you from doing your own thing. Follow your heart and pursue the goals that make you happy.

An unexpected development will turn in your favor.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

A change will be enlightening. Rediscover what brings you joy, eases your stress and makes you feel alive. Socialize, participate and expand your interests and friendships.

LIBRA

Express your thoughts and make changes that will help you eliminate things that are holding you back.

Expand your mind and reach out to people who share your beliefs and ambitions.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

Get moving. Idle time will be the enemy. The less you do, the more criticism and complaints you’ll encounter. A change of heart will leave you in limbo.

Protect your assets.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Turn the corner and put the past behind you.

Head down an exciting path filled with new challenges and life-altering experiences. It’s time to live life your way.

Listen carefully, as the inSAGITTARIUS formation someone gives you (Nov. 23will be untrustworthy. Spend Dec. 21) your time researching and making personal changes that will help you overcome obstacles. Romance will enhance your life.

YESTERDAY’S WORD

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Take better care of yourself. Pay attention to detail and don’t get involved in something that could result in injury or loss. Choose your battles wisely.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Get your personal papers in order. Updating official documents will be essential if you don’t want to pay a fine or be denied the opportunity to participate in something you want to do.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED puzzle

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Keep an open mind, but don’t be gullible. Someone will play with your emotions or entice you to get involved in something you should avoid.

Discipline and self-improvement should be priorities.

wednesday, october 2, 2019

19

Andy Murray beats Giddings, Grimmond, Matteo Berrettini Gajnabi among 5 Guyanese at China Open

CPL Women’s T10 Challenge…

F

ive Guyanese women cricketers have attained selection for the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T10 matches.

Veteran left-arm seamer Erva Giddings, current West Indies Women all-rounders Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi, promising left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz and fast bowler Cherry-Ann Fraser are the five selected.

The Hero CPL and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, along with Cricket West Indies (CWI), are on board to host two T10 matches ahead of the men’s semi-final and final of the 2019 Hero CPL. The best women cricketers from across the Caribbean will be playing in the NLCB Challenge on October 10 at

Kaysia Schultz

Champions League: Gnabry scores 4 as Bayern hit Spurs for 7

– Man City win

T

ottenham Hotspur’s troubles continued as they were humiliated in the most devastating fashion

by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on one of the most embarrassing nights in their recent history as Serge Gnabry scored four goals.

The scale of this thrashing for manager Mauricio Pochettino and his players was made even more stark by the fact they took an early lead through Son Heung-min and were on level terms until just before half-time.

Bayern posed a huge threat throughout and were quickly on terms through Joshua Kimmich’s superb 20-yard finish - but Spurs failed to heed the warning signs and ended up reduced to a rabble as they sunk without a fight in the second half.

Strange as it may seem

women selected

looking at the scoreline, this was an enthralling encounter that really turned on the stroke of halftime when, with matters in the balance, Robert Lewandowski produced a brilliant turn and right-foot finish past Hugo Lloris from 20 yards.

The manner in which Spurs subsided once they went behind will be of huge concern to Pochettino and all those who have detected underlying problems with the manager and his team since they lost the Champions League final to Liverpool in June.

Bayern gathered momentum and put themselves out of sight when former Arsenal youngster Gnabry scored twice in as many minutes shortly after the interval, taking full advantage of more poor defending to beat Lloris emphatically.

15:00h and the Courts Invitational on October 12 at 12:30h.

Three of the Guyanese selected hail from the most prolific local cricket club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. Grimmond, Giddings and Gajnabi are proud products of this cricket club.

Schultz and Fraser hail from Demerara.

The two teams will be led by West Indies Women Captain Stafanie Taylor and West Indies Women Vice Captain Afy Fletcher.

Team A read: Stafanie Taylor (Captain); Anisa Mohammed; Chinelle Henry; Natasha McClean; Chedean Nation; Jodian Morgan; Reniece Boyce; Stacy Ann King; Britney Cooper; Felicia Walters; Karishma Ramharack; Caneisha Isaac and Shawinisha Hector.

Team B read: Afy Fletcher (Captain); Kycia Knight; Kyshona Knight; Hayley Matthews; Aaliyah Alleyne; Qiana Joseph; Akeira Peters; Erva Giddings; Shabika Gajnabi; Kaysia Shultz; Cherry-Ann Fraser; Shekera Selman and Sheneta Grimmond. (Brandon Corlette)

Former Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry is the first player to score four goals in the second half of a Champions League game

A

ndy Murray impressively beat Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (9-7) at the China Open to set up a second round tie against fellow Briton Cameron Norrie.

Murray, 32, faced a tough test against world number 13 Berrettini, who reached last month’s US Open semi-finals.

The Scot came back from a break down in each set for his biggest singles win since returning from hip surgery in January.

“It was a tight match and I thought I did pretty well,” said Murray.

“Hopefully, I can have a good run here. That was a good start for me.

“It’s a bit of progress for me again this week which is good. I feel like the progress

Liverpool: Alisson close to return – Jurgen Klopp

L

Harry Kane gave Spurs brief hope with a penalty after Kingsley Coman fouled Danny Rose but Bayern were in no mood to open the door, instead running riot as Gnabry added two more, with another smooth finish from Lewandowski sandwiched in between.

It is the first time in Tottenham’s 137-year history that they have ever conceded seven goals at home in any competition.

Spurs left the pitch to a chorus of jeers. They will cling to the fact they reached the final after losing their first two group games last season - but this is the sort of beating that will take a long time to recover from.

Sterling shines in City win Raheem Sterling came off the bench to provide the spark

Manchester City had been waiting for as they saw off a stubborn Dinamo Zagreb side to go top of Champions League Group C. Sterling swept home City’s first goal from a Riyad Mahrez cross midway through the second half, then helped his side wrap up the points when he set up fellow substitute Phil Foden in stoppage time.

In truth, this should have been a much bigger victory, with City wasting a host of firsthalf chances, but in the end they were grateful to Sterling for making the difference.

Until Sterling broke the deadlock from close range with his ninth goal of the season, it had been an unexpectedly frustrating night for Pep Guardiola’s side, despite enjoying more than 80% of possession. (BBC Sport)

h a s b e e n quite consistent and, hopefully, that keeps g o i n g through until the end of the year.”

Murray played at a high level against Berrettini and showed the battling qualities which are such a feature of his game.

He broke the 23-year-old, who was serving for the first set, before going on to dominate the tie-break.

Berrettini went 2-0 up in the second set but Murray again pegged him back to level and take the match following another tie-break.

Overall, Murray got 69% of his first serves in, winning 75% of those points and he also saved five out of seven break points. (BBC Sport)

iverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says goalkeeper Alisson could be fit to face Leicester on Saturday but expects him to return against Manchester United.

Alisson, 26, has missed nine games in all competitions after suffering a calf injury in the Premier League opener against Norwich on 9 August.

Liverpool host Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday.

After the game against Leicester and the international break, they face

Alisson won the best goalkeeper prize at the Best Fifa awards in September

United at Old Trafford on 20 October.

“There are two opinions,” said Klopp. “One is Alisson’s and the other is the medical department, which is more cautious. We have to wait and see.

“In training, he looks really well but it was a serious injury and we don’t want to take any risks.

“We have to see for Leicester and the Manchester United game probably 100% but we will see.” (BBC Sport)

20

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wednesday, october 2, 2019

CPL 2019 week 4 round-up: Walsh Jr makes a splash, Pollard and Holder in send-off face-off

T

he fourth week of the 2019 CPL was not only full of dazzling individual performances and thrilling finishes but also gave us the three remaining teams for the playoffs. Here’s a look at the highlights from yet another action-packed week.

Patriots turn it around, Amazon Warriors maintain winning streak

After losing four out of their first five games of the season and looking down for the count, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots bounced back to register four wins in their next five matches to become the second team after Guyana Amazon Warriors to qualify for the playoffs.

Patriots captain Carlos Brathwaite, who triggered the turnaround with an allround performance in a Super Over win against Trinbago Knight Riders last week, was again the star of a last-ball win against Barbados Tridents. Chasing 150, Tridents were cruising at one stage but Brathwaite’s three quick wickets had them stumbling from 85 for 2 to 99 for 7.

Raymon Reifer took the game to the last over but with two required from the final delivery, Dominic Drakes bowled Harry Gurney to seal

the game.

Tridents themselves qualified for the playoffs on Sunday as Harry Gurney and Hayden Walsh Jr helped them defend 141 against St Lucia Zouks. Their victory also ensured Knight Riders a top-four spot.

Warriors, meanwhile, stretched their winning streak to eight games a new CPL record - and booked a top-ofthe-table finish with two games still in hand.

On the other e n d ,

Chris Gayle’s homecoming didn’t prove auspicious for Jamaica Tallawahs as the two-time champions failed to make it to the top four for the first time in the seven years of the CPL.

first innings and escorting him till the boundary line.

Holder then returned the favour when he caught Pollard near the long-off boundary and ran all the way to third man to see off the batsman.

However, a hug after the game suggested there was no hard feelings between West Indies’ new ODI team captain and his predecessor.

Fastest CPL fifty and the Pollard-Holder send-offs

During the Tridents v Knight Riders game, JP

Batsman of the week

JP Duminy

Brandon King

included Denesh Ramdin, Pollard, Jimmy Neesham and Darren Bravo.

In the next game, Walsh got 2 for 37 against Patriots before causing another collapse against Zouks, picking up 4 for 26 that included another three-wicket over.

Despite playing only five games, he is currently the lead-

Duminy put on a show with the bat, the ball and in the field as Tridents snapped their eight-match losing streak in home games. Building on a 110-run opening stand between Johnson Charles and Jonathan Carter, Duminy raced away to the fastest CPL fifty - off 15 balls - breaking Evan Lewis record - 17 balls - set earlier this season. During his 20-ball 65, Duminy smashed seven sixes and four fours.

But he wasn’t done yet.

During Knight Riders’ innings, his brilliant running catch - he sprinted from long-off to complete the catch at long-on - sent a dangerous-looking Colin Munro back. Then he picked up the last two Knight Riders wickets to cap a perfect outing.

During the same match, the two captains - Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder were involved in a dramatic sequence of send-offs. It started with Pollard dismissing Holder during the

Warriors’ Brandon King continued his good form with an unbeaten 81 off 59 balls against Zouks. Chasing 162, King played the anchor’s role when his opening partner Chandrapaul Hemraj was going at it and took to attack only in the second half of the chase.

Having reached to 32 in as many balls, he struck three sixes and a four in his next five balls to shatter Zouks’ hopes.

With scores of 12, 81*, 51*, 59 and 49 in his last five innings, King propelled his tally to 287 runs (average 47.83, strike rate 142.78), and is now third on the runcharts.

Hayden Walsh Jr

Bowler of the week

After Sandeep Lamichhane left for the national duty, USA international Walsh stepped up for Tridents and returned figures of 5 for 19 - the thirdbest in CPL history - in that Duminy game. At one stage, he had figures of 2-0-4-4, including a three-wicket over.

The legspinner not only overcame the dewy conditions but also a star-studded batting line-up. His scalps

ing wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps at an average of 9.80 and a strike rate of 7.8.

Leading Coach Salazar gets 4-year ban for doping violations L

eading American athletics coach Alberto Salazar, who has coached some of the world’s top distance runners including British Olympic track champion Mo Farah, has been banned for four years for doping violations.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said Salazar’s punishment was for “orchestrating and facilitating prohibited doping conduct” as head coach of the Nike Oregon Project (NOP), a camp designed primarily to develop US endurance athletes.

After the ban was announced, the US Track and Field Federation (USATF) removed Salazar’s accreditation for the world athletics championships in Doha.

Salazar said he would appeal USADA’s decision, and sportswear giant Nike said in a statement that it would stand by him.

“I am shocked by the outcome today,” Salazar said in a statement. “My athletes and I have endured unjust, unethical and highly damaging treatment from USADA.” “The Oregon Project has never and will never permit doping.

I will appeal and look forward to

this unfair and protracted process reaching the conclusion I know to be true. I will not be commenting further at this time.”

USADA said that Salazar, who also coached American Olympian Matthew Centrowitz among other top distance runners, trafficked banned performance-enhancing substance testosterone to multiple athletes.

Salazar also tampered or attempted to tamper with NOP athletes’ doping control process, the agency said after concluding its four-year investigation.

Jeffrey Brown, who worked as a paid consultant endocrinologist for NOP on performance enhancement and served as a physician for numerous athletes in the training program, also received a four-year ban.

Several members of NOP are competing in the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

None of the athletes Salazar has worked with were mentioned in Monday’s report.

Salazar stopped coaching Farah in 2017 when the runner decided to move back to England.

Farah said at the time that the doping investigation was not the

Coach Alberto Salazar sits inside the Bird’s Nest Stadium at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China, August 21, 2015 (Reuters/Phil Noble)

reason they parted ways.

“The athletes in these cases found the courage to speak out and ultimately exposed the truth,” Travis Tygart, USADA chief exec-

utive officer, said in a statement.

“While acting in connection with the Nike Oregon Project, Mr. Salazar and Dr. Brown demonstrated that winning was more im-

portant than the health and wellbeing of the athletes they were sworn to protect.”

Salazar said that Tygart’s comment was misleading and he had never put winning above the athletes’ safety.

“This is completely false and contrary to the findings of the arbitrators, who even wrote about the care I took in complying with the World Anti-Doping code,” he said.

Nike, which funds NOP, the nation’s most elite long-distance running training center in Portland under a US$460 million, 26-year sponsorship deal with US Track and Field, said it would support Salazar’s appeal.

“Today’s decision had nothing to do with administering banned substances to any Oregon Project athlete. As the panel noted, they were struck by the amount of care Alberto took to ensure he was complying with the World Anti-Doping code,” it said.

“Nike does not condone the use of banned substances in any manner.”

Salazar, 61, was a celebrated distance runner, winning three consecutive New York City marathons starting in 1980. (Reuters)

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wednesday, october 2, 2019

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BCB-NBS 2nd Division 40-Over Tournament…

21

Kumar slams 235, grabs 6-15 as No 70 Spartans defeat No 71 SC by record 433 runs T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) restarted the hectic cricket season after a long four-month break owing to the rainy season.

On Sunday, the BCB started the popular New Building Society (NBS) Ltd 40 Overs Second-Division Cricket Tournament, which was originally scheduled to start in June 2019.

The Tournament involves over 80 cricket clubs which makes it the largest Cricket Tournament in the Caribbean in terms of the number of teams playing.

The highlight of the opening round was a brutal 235 from Omesh Kumar which included 23 boundaries and 17 sixes. Kumar also came back with the ball to claim 6 for 15 to spearhead his team, No 70 Spartans to an easy 433run victory over No 71 Sports Club.

Other batsmen with fifties were Sanjay Mohabir (83); Dave Looknauth (58); Naresh Deo (72); Inderlal Singh (56); Fazor Ally (69); Sherwin Murray (63); Shahad Rasheed (57); T Lotawan (54); Yogindra Chinapen (66); Javed Mohamed (68); Alex Algoo (74); Kassim Khan (54 not out); Keon DeJesus (57) and Suresh Dhanai (50). Former Guyana Under-19 bowler Nial Smith had the best bowling figures of 8 for 16.

At the Area H Ground: Rose Hall Town Bakewell A defeated No 1 Road by 10 wickets. No 1 Road scored 49 all out in 18.4 overs: Jermain Anderson – 15; Keith Simpson – 4 for 6 and Doorsammy Mahadeo -- 2 for 3. Rose Hall Town Bakewell A scored 51 without loss in 5.2 overs: Junior Sinclair – 36 not out; Kevin Sinclair – 12 not out.

At Tain Ground: Kilcoy Cricket Club defeated Tain Block 4 by 59 runs. Kilcoy scored 195 all out in 34.4 overs: Sanjay Mohabir – 83; Jacob Pariagh – 45; W Charles – 2 for 30; S Budhoo – 2 for 44, G Budhoo –2 for 18. Tain Block 4 scored 136 all out in 28 overs: R Pargas – 21; Sanjay Mohabir – 3 for 16; Sheldon Phillips – 4 for 34; Jacob Pariagh – 2 for 15.

At Belvedere Ground: Belvedere United defeated Fyrish Road by 102 runs. Belvedere United 169 all out in 27 overs: L Bisram – 44; A Ishak – 4 for 29 and A – Hardial 3 for 31.

Fyrish Road 67 all out in 16.3 overs: L Bisram – 6 for 8.

A t Hampshire G r o u n d : Ta m a r i n d Root Cricket Club defeated Kildonan Cricket Club by eight wickets.

Kildonan

125 all out in 20 overs: C Seelall – 24; Cricket Club 147 all out in 21 overs: T Mc Kenzie – 24; D Ramsammy – 5 T Lotawen – 54; R Mohabir – 25; A for 25; Kenny Deonarine – 5 for 110. Sansankar – 2 for 25; F Drepaul – 2 for Tamarind Root 126 for 2 in 19 overs: 33; G David – 2 for 28. No 43 Scorpions Dave Looknauth – 58; Kenny Deonarine Cricket Club 114 all out in 25 overs: P Pooran – 3 for 15; G Ramdeholl – 3 for –40; S Clarke – 2 for 22.

At No 59 Ground: No 64 Fighting 10; R Nicky – 2 for 10.

No 70 MYO Cricket Club defeated Marines Cricket Club defeated No 70 Young Blood Cricket Club by 10 No 52 Survival Cricket Club by 101 runs. No 64 Fighting Marines 184 all runs. No 70 MYO Cricket Club 184 all out: Saeed Rahaman – 33; Charles out in 32 overs: Ahmad Khan – 69; France – 28; Steven Embrack –24; Areef Khan – 20; Surujnauth Mohan – Deoraj Rampersaud – 3 for 26; Abdool 3 for 32; Michael Kendall – 2 for 17; Fyz Mahsood – 3 for 36; R Ally – 2 for 9. No Mohammed – 2 for 18. No 52 Survival 70 Young Blood 174 all out in 28 overs: Cricket Club 83 all out in 19.1 overs: Fazar Ally – 69; Vadanand Sugrim – 3 Gregory Goolcharran – 18; Ahmad Khan – 6 for 28. for 22; Charles Frank – 3 for 19.

Crabwood Creek All Family Cricket At Crabwood Creek Ground: Skeldon Titans Cricket Club defeated Crabwood Club defeated Radha Krishna Academy Creek Sports Club by seven wickets. Cricket Club by six runs. Crabwood Crabwood Creek Sports Club 147 all Creek All Family Cricket Club 143 runs: out in 26 overs: N Deo – 72; Deon Esau Joel Dhanraj – 30; Trevon Sukhoo – 4 for 15; Gajendra Ramnarine – 4 – 20; Deolall Deochand – 2 for 23; for 52. Skeldon Titans 148 for 3 in 17 Doodnauth Boodra – 2 for 29. Radha overs: Sherwin Murray – 63; Gajendra Krishna Academy Cricket Club 140 all Ramnarine – 26; Gajendra Nauth – 20 out: Inderlal Singh – 56; Trevon Sukhoo – 3 for 35; Derick James – 3 for 19. not out; J Singh – 2 for 25.

At No 69 Ground: No 68 Turn Team Scottsburg United defeated No 69 Vikings by 109 runs. Scottsburg United defeated No 69 Red Rose Cricket Club by 165 for 7: Shadad Rasheed –57; Aktar three wickets. No 69 Red Rose Cricket Club 69 all out in 19 overs: Joel Nahar – 34; Daniel Persaud – 24; Hulasie – 7 for 22; T Persaud – 2 T Narsingh – 3 for 34. No 69 for 6. No 68 Turn Team 73 for Vikings 63 all out in 23.3 overs: 7 in 16.3 overs: H Ramsarran Viendra Gooniah – 26; Aktar –18; D Seeram – 4 for 23.

Nahar – 4 for 27; Saif Kamal At the Jai Hind Ground: – 3 for 14.

Albion Community Centre At No 48 Ground: No 48 crushed Jai Hind Cricket Challengers defeated No 72 Club by nine wickets. Jai Hind All Stars by three wickets. No Cricket Club 90 all out in 48 Challengers 185 for 7 in 12.2 overs: N Bux – 19; 37.1 overs: B Samaroo V Moonsammy – 45; Devin – 16; Kevin Baldeo – 26; Umroa – 4 for B Persaud 5. Devendra – 33; G Latchman Chatterpaul – 2 for 26; – 2 for 34; Gourav A Haimchan Ramesh – – 2 for 33; 2 for 12.

A Singh – Albion 2 for 55; T Baichan – 2 for 30. No 72 Community All Stars 184 all Centre 91 out: T Hemraj – for 1 in 12.2 34. overs: Jeetendra At No 43 Autar – 45; Kevin Ground: Bomb Umroa – 27.

Squad Cricket Club At Fyrish Ground: defeated No 43 Keon DeJesus was Fyrish Cricket Club Scorpions Cricket among the batsmen defeated Toopoo Club by 33 runs. to record fifties Cricket Club by 167 Bomb Squad

runs. Fyrish Cricket Club 286 all out in 32 overs: Yogendra Chinapen – 66; Wazir Mohamed – 40; Javed Mohamed – 68; G Ramkelawan – 2 for 29; N Narine – 2 for 33. Toopoo Cricket Club 119 all out in 27 overs: Y Ramkelawan – 29; L Mangar – 23; Troy Mathieson – 5 for 3.

At Cumberland Ground: Young Warriors Cricket Club defeated Betsy Ground Cricket Club by 189 runs. Young Warriors Cricket Club 296 for 5 in 40 overs: Alex Algoo – 72; Mortimer Fraser – 44; Kassim Khan – 54 not out; Suresh Dhanai – 50 not out. Betsy Ground Cricket Club 107 all out in 19.2 overs: R Beharry –16; Trevon Stanislaus – 3 for 17; Jermain Henry – 2 for 33.

Kendall’s Union Cricket Club defeated Mt Sinai Cricket Club by eight wickets. Mt Sinai Cricket Club 106 all out in 20.3 overs: Joel Amsterdam – 28; R Mc Lean – 17; M Baker – 3 for 27; K Matadeen – 3 for 33. Kendall’s Union Cricket Club 110 for 2: Albert Budhoo – 38 not out; N Mangra – 18 not out; D Baker – 37.

At Flying Star Ground: Tucber Park A Cricket Club defeated Flying Star Cricket Club by 119 runs. Tucber Park A Cricket Club 176 all out in 30.3 overs: Keion De Jesus – 64; Martin Singh – 20; Abdul Ramsammy – 20. Flying Star 57 all out in 20 overs: Nial Smith – 8 for 16.

No 5 Sports Club lost to D’Edward Cricket Club by 93 runs. D’Edward Cricket Club 222 all out: A Subhan – 80; D Persaud – 35; A Khan – 27; Arthley Bailey – 3 for 22; M Schultz – 2 for 39; K Sedoc – 2 for 20. No 5 Sports Club 119 all out: J Persaud – 30; A Bailey – 40; A Subhan – 3 for 8; H Bridgelall – 4 for 39.

Cotton Tree Die Hard defeated Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club by six wickets.

Bush Lot Rising Star Cricket Club 186 all out in 35.1 overs: N Singh – 87; G Fraser – 32; R Gafoor – 5 for 15. Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club 187 for 4: Wagar Hussain – 88; Roshan Gaffoor – 52; G Fraser – 2 for 26. At the Port Mourant Ground: Port Mourant gained a walkover over Big Star Cricket Club after the visitors failed to turn up.

Miguel Cummins quits West Indies to sign Kolpak deal with Middlesex

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est Indian fast bowler Miguel Cummins has signed a three-year Kolpak deal with Middlesex, ruling him out of contention for his country.

Cummins has played 14 Tests and 11 ODIs, with his most recent West Miguel Indies appearance coming in the Cummins Antigua Test against India in August.

The 29-year-old had a brief spell as an overseas player with Middlesex last month, taking eight wickets in three Championship games. He is the latest West Indian to take the Kolpak route into county cricket, following the likes of Fidel Edwards, who plays for Hampshire, and Ravi Rampaul at Derbyshire.

Cummins previously played under Middlesex’s coach, Stuart Law, when he was in charge of West Indies between 2017 and 2018. Middlesex,

who were champions in 2016, finished eighth in Division Two in Law’s first season in charge.

“Stuart Law recommended that we get Miguel over, to have a look at him, on the back of the time he had spent with him whilst coaching the West Indies,” Middlesex’s director of cricket, Angus Fraser, said. “I had watched Miguel on video, but it is often only when you see someone play live that you get a true reflection of their capabilities.

I was immediately impressed by Miguel.

“He has control, is able to move the ball away from a right-handed batsman and, I believe, the ability to bowl fast, aggressive spells when conditions dictate. During the recent spell he spent with Middlesex he fit in really well and will be a popular member of our squad.”

Middlesex will be looking for a new captain next season, after Dawid Malan announced that he was stepping down after two years in the role. Malan scored more than 1000 runs in the Championship, as well as leading Middlesex

to the knockout stages in both limited-overs competitions, but saw the team fall well short of a successful promotion bid.

“Dawid has thrown his heart and soul into the role of club captain for the past two years, and on behalf of Middlesex Cricket, I would like to thank him for that,” Fraser said. “He has also shown great pride and dignity in the way he has handled a difficult season and he leaves the role knowing he has given it all he can.

“As a batsman the captaincy seems to have got the best out of him and he has had an excellent season. He has been our best player in testing batting conditions.

“That things have not worked out as we hoped is disappointing for everyone involved and we must take the responsibility for that. Personally, I would like to thank Dawid for his commitment to the role and his desire to take the club forward. We must now turn our attention to finding a suitable replacement to take this great club forward.”

22

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wednesday, october 2, 2019

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to announce that FedEx Express is the Official Courier and Express Delivery service of its cricket tournament.

During the three-year relationship, FedEx Express will be working with CPL to ensure the movement of the tournament equipment around the Caribbean as it takes stop in Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and Barbados.

In addition to the transportation services that FedEx Express provides to CPL, the company is adding to the fan experience, for those watching on TV, the “FedEx Fastest Deliveries.”

A speed gun is added to the coverage this year, so viewers are able to see which of

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FedEx Express is official delivery partner of Hero CPL the world-class quick bowlers, who are part of the tournament, is top of the table in terms of pace.

Jamie Stewart, CPL’s Commercial Director, said: “Putting on the CPL’s tournament each year is an extremely challenging logistical exercise, involving continuous movement of players, officials, television equipment, event materials and many other items essential to the event. With nine event legs in six countries across five and a half weeks, the successful staging of the tournament requires enormous logistics planning.”

“Having FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, support CPL is a tremendous boost for the tournament, and we look forward to drawing on their vast ex-

Limacol Football Tournament 2019…

pertise to advise and support the event, as we strive to be as efficient as it can be.

Having another truly global and category leading brand assisting is the best possible sign that the tournament is growing both in stature and success, and we look forward to a long and successful association,” added Jamie Stewart.

“FedEx Express is proud of its association with many internationally-renowned sporting leagues and we are excited to serve as the Official Courier and Express Delivery service of The Hero Caribbean Premier League,” said Rakesh Shalia, vice president of marketing and communications of FedEx Express. “This is a great way for us to reinforce our commitment to markets across the Caribbean.” (CPL)

Solo Drinks Outdoor Developmental Hockey League…

Battle for last 2 semi- Ballerz, Bingo Spartans take top spots final spots on tonight! Y MCA Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) Ballerz and the GCC Bingo Spartans over the past weekend emerged as the champions of the Solo Drinks Boys’ and Girls’ Outdoor Hockey Development Leagues, as the final games were staged on Saturday and Sunday.

Playing at the St Stanislaus College Ground on Carifesta Avenue, the ladies had their time to shine on Saturday while the males’ final went down YMCA OFHC receive their winning trophy from Dominique DeGroot

T

Quarter-final action started over the weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground

he final two teams in the Limacol Football Tournament’s semi-finals will be decided tonight as the quarter-final action continues at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The double-header fixture will see Riddim Squad taking on Mahaica Determinators in the first game at 19:00h while Fruta Conquerors Under-20 FC battle with Timehri Panthers at 21:00h.

Riddim Squad are yet to lose a game in the fourth edition of the Limacol tournament, having got two convincing wins and a walkover to finish the group stage at the top of their group. Hence, the team have a bit of momentum going for them and will look to keep their slate clean. On the other hand, the Mahaica Determinators have stumbled on their way to the quarter-final stage. The East Coast outfit started strong with a win, but lost the following encounter; however, they did just enough to bag a win against Dynamic FC to advance to the quarter-final and send Dynamic packing. As such, Mahaica Determinators will be looking to revisit that determination that willed them to defeat Dynamic and use it against Riddim Squad.

The second encounter is expected to be a fast-paced one, given the youth com-

ponent in both the Fruta Conquerors Under-20 and Timehri Panthers teams.

Both sides have defeated their share of experienced teams this year; for the Timehri Panthers, it was Camptown FC and Black Pearl FC. Meanwhile, Fruta Conquerors enjoyed exhilarating victories over Georgetown Football Club (GFC); Buxton Stars and Northern Rangers. Tyrone Khan is expected to be a front-runner for the Timehri side while Nicholas McArthur will seek to register his third hat-trick of the tournament and Ryan Hackett will be ready to assist. Without a doubt, this youthfilled encounter will be an interesting one to witness.

The NEW GPC-sponsored Limacol Football Tournament is also supported

by WJ Enterprise, the sole distributor of Croxley Papers. The Limacol semi-finals will be staged on Saturday, October 5, with the winners of tonight’s quarter-final games going head-to-head at 19:00h. The second semifinal between Santos FC and Pele FC will go down at 21:00h.

The eventual winners of the Tournament will pocket $400,000 while the second-place finisher will settle for $200,000. The third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Pitbulls led with points, the Ballerz had a superior goal difference. As such, the victory for the Ballerz allowed them to attain 19 points, similarly to the Pitbulls, but their goal difference of 22 put the nail in Pitbulls’ coffin.

The YMCA OFHC Ballerz won the hardfought game against the Pitbulls 2-1 to make their dreams of a league win a reality.

GCC Pitbulls’ Kareem Mckenzie was adjudged the MVP of The girls from GCC Bingo Spartans and Saints take a photo op with their prizes the Boys’ league, while Shaquon Favourite of Fernandes each netted one goal YMCA OFHC Ballerz was the on Sunday. for Bingo Spartans’ 3-0 win.

The Saints girls had been Meanwhile, Fernandes was highest goal scorer with 12 equally as dominant as GCC recognised as the tournament’s goals. Paul D’Andrade, also of Bingo Spartans in the tour- Most Valuable Player (MVP) the winning team, was given nament, and only needed a and the highest goal scorer. the nod as the best goalkeeper.

The outdoor hockey will win with a four-goal advan- Donyale Nurse copped the best continue at the same venue tage to take the league victory. goalkeeper award.

However, the Bingo Spartans On Sunday, a match be- this weekend as the Bounty remained formidable as usual, tween the YMCA OFHC Ballerz Paper Towels – “Quicker Picker restricting the Saints girls from and the GCC Pitbulls was the Upper” – Second Division Men’s even scoring. technical final of the league and Women’s leagues come to a Abosiade Cadogan, Paige with either side needing a win close.

Fernandes,

and

Madison

to take the gold. While the GCC

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, october 2, 2019

Calm and composed Malik satisfied with Amazon Warriors consistency G

uyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) continued their record-breaking 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, stitching together eight wins in as many matches.

After their latest win against the defending champions, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), Warriors Captain Shoaib Malik was pleased with the consistency shown with the bat and ball.

“I am very pleased, and credit goes to the guys; they are

consistent with the ball and bat. There was no message: the batsmen in the middle knew what they had to do and the opener Chandrapaul Hemraj scored 50-plus, which gave us the edge,” Malik highlighted.

The Pakistani superstar added that Hemraj has been hitting the ball cleanly in practice and he has been showing that in matches.

In the GAW v TKR match at Port of Spain, the conditions were tough for bowling.

“I want to congratulate my bowlers; although the conditions were wet, they were bril-

liant,” Malik stated.

With two more matches in the preliminary rounds, Malik stated that the team must improve in the catching department.

The opening pair of Brandon King and Hemraj has been a big plus in this successful campaign thus far. King has 287 runs while Hemraj sits pretty with 257 runs in eight matches. Shimron Hetmyer, who missed out on a half-century against TKR, has taken his tally to 203 runs. Captain Malik remains on 180 runs.

Arguably the best bowling line-up in the tournament, GAW’s highest wicket taker is Chris Green.

He has 12 wickets in eight

Romario Shepherd hitting his stride against TKR

Chris Green remains the leading wickettaker for GAW

(CPL/Getty Images)

Captain Shoaib Malik

matches at a stellar bowling average o f 1 5 . 6 6 and a

brilliant economy rate of 6.40 in an era where the bats are bigger. Veteran Imran Tahir has 10 wickets while Romario Shepherd is the leading pacer with nine wickets for GAW. Keemo Paul has eight w i c k e t s while Ben Laughlin, who had a slow start to the CPL, has six wickets in his four outings.

Meanwhile, Shepherd, who was the Man of the Match for his vital 13-ball 32 against TKR, reflected on a dream night with the bat: “When I was going out to bat, I was told to

23

hit the ball as hard as I can and that’s what I did. I backed myself 100 per cent and it came off.”

Shepherd, who has been on the rise as a fast bowler, continued to show great promise with the ball, with nine wickets, the most by a GAW seamer.

Reminiscing on his bowling effort against TKR on Monday, Shepherd disclosed that it was tough with the dew and the ball was wet from the inception. “We knew what we had to do on this ground, to keep the ball dry as long as possible and stick to the plans.

We have two more games left and our plan is just to win those,” Shepherd disclosed.

The GAW will continue their CPL on Thursday, October 3 against Imran Tahir is off and running in his trademark celebration

Jamaica Tallawahs at the Guyana N a t i o n a l Stadium from 18:00h local time. On the following day at the same venue, it will be the clash of the CPL giants, when GAW host TKR from 20:00h.

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Tridents and Knight Riders to battle for better seating T

he 28th match of the Caribbean Premier League 2019 will be played between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain in Trinidad.

Barbados Tridents comfortably beat St Lucia Zouks in the last match to grab a place in the playoffs. They are currently placed at the fourth spot in the points table with four wins and five losses from nine games. The team has 8 points and net run rate of +0.558.

With just one match remaining, if the Tridents can win, they will climb to the second spot ahead of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots subject to Trinbago Knight Riders’ performance.

Incidentally, they will be taking on Trinbago Knight Riders who are placed just above them with four wins and three losses from eight games. Knight Riders have 8 points and a net run rate of +0.095.

They still have two matches remaining and even if they win one, the

Team GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS ST KITTS & NEVIS PATRIOTS TRINBAGO KNIGH RIDERS BARBADOS TRIDENTS ST LUCIA ZOUKS JAMAICA TALLAWAHS team will climb ahead of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. It will mean that they will easily make it to Qualifier 1

M

W L

T

P

NRR

8

8

0

0

16

1.598

10

5

5

0

10

-0.155

8

4

3

0

9

0.095

9

4

5

0

8

0.558

10

3

6

0

7

-0.74

9

2

7

0

4

-1.205

and meet Guyana Amazon Warriors there.

In the last five matches played between Trinbago

Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents, TKR have won three times while Tridents have won two. In the only match played between the two teams this season, Barbados Tridents registered a huge victory.

Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard and James Neesham are the key players for TKR while Shakib Al Hasan, Jean-Paul Duminy and Jason Holder will have the onus for Barbados Tridents.

Let’s have a look at the probable playing XI of both teams: Trinbago Knight Riders: Mark Deyal, Lendl Simmons, Colin Munro, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, James Neesham, Javon Searles, Chris Jordan, Khary Pierre, Ali Khan Barbados Tridents: Johnson Charles, Alex Hales, Shakib Al Hasan, Jean-Paul Duminy, Jonathan Carter, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Justin Greaves, Raymon Reifer, Hayden Walsh, Harry Gurney (CWI)

Hayden Walsh Jr (left) and Johnson Charles (right) of Barbados Tridents celebrate the dismissal of James Neesham of Trinbago Knight Riders

wednesday, october 2, 2019

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

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Amazon Warriors arrive for final 2 home games, play-off

Guyana Amazon Warriors arriving at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Tuesday evening

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Tridents and Knight Riders to battle for better seating Page 23

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