Guyana Times Saturday November 16, 2019

P14

GTT’s PR team benefits from writing seminar in Barbados Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4109

SATURday, november 16, 2019

Over 600 murders committed under APNU/AFC’s watch Page 9

– 567 illegal firearms seized Page 7

Govt snubs salary increases for sugar workers …says GuySuCo, Union must address wages

DDL launches oil and gas support company

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GPF to boost security for Christmas P10 season

Police Force P7 records decrease in accidents, road fatalities for 2019 – combination of drunk driving and speeding resulted in most fatal accidents

See story on page 11

Motorcyclist P10 dies in accident 2 days shy of 50th birthday

DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo and CWSL CEO Nigel Bennett shake hands after signing in the presence of DDL Finance Controller Vasudeo Singh and CWSL Chief Marketing Officer Darren Debideen

APNU, AFC battling for ministerial and parliamentary postings Page 3

6-year-old beaten with Page – AFC threatens to go solo if talks fail 12 ...hope lingers for Ramjattan to get PM nod broken glass bottle at school

Republic Bank experiencing challenges with new P13 system Burnt car belongs to missing murder witness – acting Crime Chief P11

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saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Saturday, November 16 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Sunday, November 17 – 05:30h – 07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, November 16 – 06:45h – 08:15h and Sunday, November 17 – 07:30h – 09:00h.

APNU, AFC battling for ministerial and parliamentary postings – AFC threatens to go solo if talks fail ...hope lingers for Ramjattan to get PM nod

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine with midday and evening showers are expected. There will be partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to South-westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

AFC Executive Dominic Gaskin

High Tide: 06:38h and 18:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 24:10h and 12:24h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.74 metre.

wednesday, november 13, 2019

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FREE TICKET FRIday, november 15, 2019

03 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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PAY DAY Thursday, November 14,2019

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14 18 21 SUPER PAY DAY

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

C

oalition partners, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC), are in the process of ironing out the allocation of ministerial and parliamentary postings, and if those final talks fail, then the minority party in the governing coalition will be moving ahead with its March 2020 elections campaign on its own.

The two parties are currently revising the Cummingsburg Accord – the deal they signed to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections, which they eventually won. After weeks of contentious negotiations, the APNU and AFC are expected to wrap up these discussions at a final meeting between the leaders on Monday.

This is according to AFC Executive Dominic Gaskin, who told reporters at a press conference on Friday that after missing its November 10 deadline, the party agreed to another meeting to finalise this last issue.

“In the light of the tremendous progress made in completing the revised Cummingsburg Accord and the significant impact that the Accord is likely to have on the outcome of the upcoming General and Regional Elections, the AFC has agreed to a final meeting with APNU on Monday November 18, 2019, at which a single outstanding matter is to be resolved… and that has to do with a formula for the allocation of parliamentary positions, ministerial positions and RDC seats,” Gaskin stated.

The 2015 Accord had catered for the APNU to get 60 per cent while the AFC gets 40 per cent of the allotments in the three categories.

Currently, the AFC has the Ministries of Agriculture, Business (and Tourism), Natural Resources, Public Infrastructure, and Public Telecommunication, as well as the Prime Ministerial post.

Whatever formula is agreed upon by the two leaders will determine the divisional proportion of the three categories for next year’s polls.

However,

Gaskin believes that the coalition should keep the “winning formula” used for the 2015 elections.

“We think that that was a winning formula and we want to maintain that formula. Now having said that, this is a negotiation and we are not going into the room, saying ‘this is what we want’ and there is no discussion… We have not said that this particular formula is non-negotiable but as in any negotiation, once something is on the table, were we to deviate from that formula, the question would arise on what are we getting in return or what are we giving in return. That’s how negotiations are normally conducted. So we are always flexible [and] we’ve been negotiating in good faith, looking for an outcome that is acceptable to both parties… and we have a fair idea of what is fair to the AFC,” the party Executive stated.

But even as the AFC is confident that Monday’s meeting will be fruitful, the party has declared that it will be moving ahead without its coalition partner if those final talks are further delayed or failed.

AFC PM candidate Khemraj Ramjattan

“We anticipate that there will be an agreement

by Monday. However, we cannot wait. We’ve already missed a deadline. We’ve accepted another deadline but in the meantime, we are getting ourselves… battle-ready and we are prepared, if we cannot reach an acceptable agreement, to move ahead alone with our campaign… It’s an unlikely scenario, which is not our preferred scenario but we have to be prepared to go ahead alone if necessary,” Gaskin stressed.

Following Monday’s final meeting, the AFC will launch

its elections campaign in all 10 Administrative Regions, starting from November 23.

It intends to set up 12 campaign offices throughout the country.

“The campaign programme is being finalised and the AFC will be moving into high campaign mode to ensure success at the upcoming elections. The party must, therefore, complete all negotiations by Monday, November 18. This deadline can no longer be extended,” Gaskin stated.

Meanwhile, another issue that has been a hurdle during the negotiations between the coalition partners is the Prime Ministerial candidacy.

The 2015 agreement had given the APNU the Presidential post while the PM position went to the AFC. As such, the AFC went ahead and elected its leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, as its PM candidate back in June. But Ramjattan’s appointment was not initially accepted, with reports saying that the APNU wanted to put one of its members to run alongside Presidential Candidate David Granger.

Turn to page 10

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, november 16, 2019

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

UG’s 53rd convocation

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oday, over 2000 proud students will graduate from the University of Guyana as the institution hosts its 53rd convocation at its Turkeyen Campus. Despite resource challenges, the university has prevailed over the years and must indeed be commended for the work it has been doing in providing students with the opportunity to pursue higher learning in various disciplines.

In addition to the number of student intake going up significantly over the years, the number of courses offered has also increased and more recently courses, geared towards equipping students with the skills needed to function effectively in the oil and gas sector are offered.

For many of these graduates, their journey from a “freshman” to becoming a university graduate has not been very smooth. It was fraught with hardships and situations which demanded a great deal of commitment and sacrifice. If some of these students were to tell their stories, there would be stories of sleepless nights, financial and other difficulties and so on. University life and the demands it places on individuals could take a toll on students’ health and wellbeing if they are not focused and well prepared for such an undertaking. We salute all the graduates for overcoming these obstacles and for never giving up on their dreams.

Certainly, this country is now richer with this pool of new skills that will be seeking to enter the workforce. The students graduating today now have a whole new and exciting set of opportunities open to them, particularly in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. With first oil only a few weeks away, Guyana is currently on the precipice of experiencing a transformation never seen before.

With this new-found wealth, it is incumbent on the government of the day to invest in building our human capital so that Guyanese, themselves, can benefit from the opportunities available. There must come a time when there is no need to search abroad for the skills we need to develop our country.

Doing so would require injecting the necessary funds into the university to make it a more modern institution so that is well equipped to carry out its functions unhindered.

Over the years, the university’s financial constraints have adversely affected its ability to offer staff much deserving compensation and research facilities. Attracting and retaining highly-competent and quailed staff has always been a challenge.

At the moment, the university has about 63 per cent of people working with master’s degrees and below. There are about 30 PhDs in the whole university, which is about 10 per cent and about 50 per cent of those are in higher administration, not teaching.

As we had stated before, the demands of the university are significant and ever-changing, and to continuously meet them, there must be a sustainable source of financing. Sustainable financing must be able to do more than just meet the basic expenses. Financing must be there to upgrade the university’s infrastructure in order to give it an appearance of a modern learning institution, provide students with the latest books, technologies and knowledge; provide modern research facilities that enable students to probe and test existing knowledge and to find new ones, and offer students more disciplines to choose from and that includes a wider variety of master’s and doctorate programmes.

For example, now that Guyana is heading into new frontiers with respect to oil and gas, there is a need for a centre at the university dedicated to teaching courses relating to the petroleum industry.

That said, the university’s administration should seek to aggressively engage governments, international development partners, private sector organisations and civil society in an effort to garner support for the development of the university.

The institution seriously needs to look beyond central government and, to some extent, donors for its finances; it would need to examine alternative ways in raising funds to sustain itself as other international learning institutions have been doing in order to remain competitive.

On this basis, there is need to establish a platform where the public, the private sector, government, and the university can form crucial partnerships to fund research, the delivery of technology, student services and other necessities.

Certainly, everyone wants to see UG advance into a better and more modern learning tertiary institution; one that would take its rightful place in terms of helping in nation-building and one that both students and lecturers and all others associated with it would be proud. Hats off to all the graduates.

In line with the US Embassy’s commitment to help build capacity in remote areas and strengthen border security, Ambassador SarahAnn Lynch made a trip to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and met with the Regional Chairman, regional Police and a local school. She also made a short visit to the Brazil side of the border to meet with immigration officials and the Brazilian Consulate

Tampering with voters’ list Dear Editor, There are many strategies employed by this present PNC-led coalition that tells everyone that an election rigging campaign is on.

There is no question in anyone’s mind what the intentions of the PNC are in its shenanigans, they are out in a do or die effort to carry out one of the most brazen acts of dishonesty never before seen in Guyana’s history. The telltale signs of rigging are all across our country right down to the finest detail, the only problem is how to carry it out. The stumbling block between them achieving their aim and pulling off that rigging stunt is the ever-vigilant Opposition.

Now, let us turn our gaze to the latest rigging stunt by the PNC, and that comes in the form of the removal of names from the Official Voters’ List. We are talking about the removal of registered, living persons from

the OLE on the flimsiest of reasons that GECOM cannot account for their existence. I have in previous letters exposed this asininity of GECOM having to take on the role of a tracker dog.

Whenever an electoral body takes on that nefarious role of harassing and intimidating a voter, they cease being a democratic organisation and are now acting in the capacity of a political institution. They are now treading on dangerous ground, being an extension of a party and a tool in the hand of politicians.

The removal of a registered voter is a criminal act and must be seen in that light, even if that decision is coming from a Judge; a crooked partisan Judge. We have to stand up to any directive that is not sanctioned in the Constitution of Guyana and this act is one of them.

So, trying to disenfranchise a voter is illegal.

The fact is, if someone is dead, as they claim, then that person cannot vote; a dead person cannot vote. I do not see the big hue and cry of the PNC as it relates to registered names on the voters’ list, being rendered dead (according to their theory) causing any problem. What problem can a dead person pose?

If you are dead, then you are dead and cannot vote, what’s the charge? People die all the time, whether by accident or natural causes and some of those registered might not be here on election day. Even some who are active and alive now might very well not be around on March 2, so what’s the problem? Are they going to postpone the elections because of those names?

It shows how ridiculous the PNC’s claim gets as we get closer and closer to election 2020. But far more important is the fact that there is the use of an indelible ink when someone has voted,

the question is, what about the indelible ink, isn’t that a form of identification that someone has voted? When someone votes, their finger is stained with voters’ ink which means that he/she cannot vote a second time.

The indelible ink puts to rest all claims that someone has or has not voted, so here ends the tale of multiple voting.

But what the PNC is not telling the people is their use and, in some cases, none use of the indelible ink. The PNC has been known to carry out these nefarious activities in their strongholds at elections, which tells of their fear of the indelible ink. So, whatever the strategy ranging from the removal of the so-called ghost electors from the OLE to the use of the voters’ ink, all of these things will prove to be detrimental to the PNC. Respectfully, Neil Adams

Politically-beleaguered public sector wage increases defied good life Dear Editor, After one year of withholding salary increases budgeted for since November 2018, President Granger randomly projected nine per cent increases without any statistical measure(s) of labour productivity. The standard management model often employed to arrive at reasonable wage increases is to sum the measures of labour productivity and inflation (productivity + inflation), to reflect “good life”.

In the Private Sector, measures of labour productivity are market-determined but the same cannot be said for public goods and services because prices are non-existent. Thus, national accountants use indicators of performance to include economic growth, infant mortality rates, and incidence of crimes.

Instead of consulting with his Finance Minister Jordan on such public sector measures of productivity, he randomly raised the minimum wage from $64,000 to $69,335 or equivalently 8.3 per cent as wage increases. In addition to the tax-free retroactive wage increases, he offered payments in kinds; varying, from allowances for healthcare workers, uniform allowances, to on-call allowances for doctors.

Next, the question is whether this new minimum $69,335 salary is enough to meet the basic requirements of a typical household living expenses for a good life. The answer is a resounding no. An analysis of the cost of living expenses in Georgetown revealed that a family of four requires at least $80,000 as of October 2019 to sustain a good life; for selected cat-

egories of food, housing, utilities, clothes, transportation, and personal care.

The basic salary should raise from $64,000 to $80,000 or a wage increase of 23 per cent in addition to basic allowances. Under the PPP/C Administration, public sector employees (including GuySuCo workers) were awarded salary increases and an extra one-month salary bonus for the Disciplined Forces.

But, to sustain such a good life for a few employees, Granger planned to further reduce the public sector by 15-20 per cent as directed by IMF; presumably, after the March election on the assumption that he miraculously wins.

Sincerely, Prof Dev Rawana, PhD

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SATURday, november 16, 2019

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Are we going for broke too?

Dear Editor, The good news is that Guyana is not bankrupt; the bad news is that we are broke. Consistently spending more than we earn has depleted the bank of Guyana’s foreign exchange reserves to the point where we are holding on to them to pay our import bills while we run up a massive local currency overdraft.

The good news is that oil production begins in 2020, the bad news is that it will not earn enough to continue the current rate of expenditure. Guyana would need to earn at least US$250 million extra per annum to maintain the Granger Administration’s lavish lifestyle, for that is the rate at which the reserves were depleted.

As unpopular as mathematical computations have become, it is important to let our people know that while manna will be falling from the heavens, it will take a massive amount of work to rebuild and then grow the economy of Guyana in 2020 and beyond. I will use US dollars instead of barrels for this calculation to be as clear as possible.

Using a generous earning figure of US$2 billion in total production for 2020, a 2 per cent royalty accrues to our coffers, $40 million, that leaves $1960 million, minus 75 per cent cost oil (1,470.000,000) which leaves

$490,000,000 as profit oil to be divided equally between the operator and Guyana.

We now have $245 million, then we pay 40 per cent of that to the treasury for the taxes owed by the oil companies, $98 million and the remaining $147 million to the Natural Resource Fund.

Total available is $138 million to the Treasury, minus whatever we spend on lifting and brokerage fees to sell our profit oil. Then there are the monitoring fees; the consultancy fees; all adding cost to oil.

There are no reserves to prop up Granger’s poor economic policies in 2020, in delaying the March 2019 elections for a year; Granger has moved Guyana from parliamentary democracy to a rule by decree nation.

Granger will try to sell the hardships in the first two months of 2020 as constraints caused by the 1/12th spending provision, the reality is that he (Granger) has gone for broke, spending every last cent in the treasury with the hope for re-election and the promise of oil.

David Granger has gambled on his future, he has used our Treasury to so do; the question every Guyanese must ask themselves is “are we going for broke too?” Elections are on the second of March 2020.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

East Bank Berbice road project still incomplete after 2 years

Dear Editor, Since 2017 the APNU/ AFC Government embarked on the East Bank Berbice main access road project. At the launching of this project the MoPI said the project would be completed in eight months, costing the Government of Guyana $1.2 billion while the IDB projects would have cost $1.8 billion.

Patterson also said at the launching that the IDB did not fund the project because of several reasons (refusing to give any), despite the fact that the PPP/C Government had actually finalised this project with the IDB. The project was to rehabilitate and pave the road from Stanleytown to Everton East Bank Berbice covering 5.5km of roads.

It is very much unfortunate that we are in November 2019, two years after the East Bank Berbice road project started but is yet to be completed. The paving of the road from #47

Stanleytown to Tacama turn is yet to be completed, whiles the two bridges at Gay Park and Edinburgh are yet to be started, leaving suspicion of massive corruption.

The APNU/AFC Government, the MoPI, the work services group that is attached to the MoPI which is deemed the “milking cow of corruption” for the MoPI and Minister must explain to Berbicians the reasons why the project is still incomplete.

This APNU/AFC Government must let taxpayers know the total cost of this project since the project cost way above the IDB 1.8 billion with far less than what was in the IDB contract.

This APNU/AFC Government is operating in secrecy, which is the breeding ground for corruption.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

Unbothered by everything, including traffic congestions Dear Editor, The nightmarish traffic congestion experienced during peak hours on the East Bank, Demerara Harbour Bridge, and West Bank Demerara has now joined the long list of daily woes such as power outages, high taxes, unemployment, and crime in beautiful Guyana.

The source of the problem is not new and known by anyone familiar with our contemporary history.

We all know that there has been an exponential expansion in the number of commuters who traverse between Georgetown and the new and existing housing settlements on the East Bank and West Demerara with their vehicles. The decision by many commuters to travel in their vehicles can be linked to their desire to avoid the hassle associated with utilising the public transportation system.

This problem will remain with us for a long time unless the policymakers move beyond cheap political gimmicks (such as bridging the Essequibo river) and implement appropriate measures. Commutes will also continue to be tormented by traffic congestions if policymakers employ quick fixes that are not data-driven.

For example, the imposition of higher taxes on used vehicles and spares aimed at reducing the demand for vehicles and by extension, traffic congestion, did not succeed.

The demand for vehicles was not blunted, and commuters were not dissuaded from using their vehicles.

It might surprise many commuters that the solu-

tions are contained in data-driven initiatives developed by the PPP/C Administration which were never implemented. It is not clear whether the current Administration refused to implement these initiatives because they were “unbothered” or lacked the will and capacity to do so. What is clear, however, is that the current Administration sat on these solutions for more than four years while commuters were made to pay with their sanity and time in the chaotic traffic congestions.

A solution that is capable of producing immediate benefits is the Diamond to Ogle bypass road which the PPP/C received US$50 million from the Exim Bank of India to construct. This road was designed to provide an alternative corridor for commuters from Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, and Peters Hall and a bypass from the city that would significantly reduce travel time between Georgetown and these villages to less than 25 minutes. To date, the only progress made concerning this project is the tripling of the price tag to US$175 million, and a promise that works on the road will commence soon.

The construction of a new four-lane fixed highspan bridge would also provide significant relief to those traversing between West Bank Demerara and the Eastern side of the existing Harbour Bridge.

The PPP/C Administration completed a pre-feasibility study. However, after more than four years, the only reported progress made by the

current Administration is the completion of a feasibility study. This study cost taxpayers $143 million, but we are not sure if it will be used to advance this much-needed bridge.

Another solution that could ease the traffic congestion throughout the country is the outfitting of new and existing housing settlements with economic and social facilities. This solution will reduce the need by commuters to traverse between Georgetown and new/existing housing settlements outside the capital city. It was part of the new housing initiatives that were developed by the PPP/C. We are well aware of this Government’s performance in the housing sector. The focus was limited to the repossession of house lots and the construction of townhouses. They are unable to understand that housing is more than providing shelter but a catalyst for development. It was for this reason, the housing initiatives undertaken by the PPP/C focused on the de-

livery of sanitation, water, electricity, educational services, healthcare, and economic opportunities and not just land to construct houses. The idea was to anchor residents in their communities by creating growth poles.

Editor, the solutions mentioned above are staring us square in our faces. However, the current Administration is blind to these solutions. Maybe they are not bothered by traffic congestions the same way they are unbothered about crime, unemployment, and other social and economic ills.

All the commuters who traverse the East Bank, Harbour Bridge, and West Bank during peak hours should acknowledge that the torment they endure is not by accident, but the refusal of the current Administration to implement solutions that were waiting to be implemented.

Regards, Concerned citizen

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saturday, november 16, 2019

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Foundation

Trapped in a vicious cycle of worry about your adult child?

Motivation for creation

…try these 3 steps to short-circuit obsession before it …understanding the intertakes hold section of intrinsic drive and creativity

By Meredith Resnick

I

s your adult child chronically dependent on you? And more than a little resentful despite all you do?

Being dependent does not only affect families where chemical dependency is an issue. It is seen where other addictions are present as well as where anxiety, depression, and personality issues manifest and define the members’ daily lives. This dependence robs us of a kind of strength or ability to focus on ourselves. It's especially difficult to identify when the person we focus on is someone we truly love and care about.

I've been thinking a lot lately about my clinical work with older adults and their adult children. Many of these older adults were in the end stages of a disease process – cancer, heart disease, some with dementia –and despite the end of their lives drawing near, their solitary focus was their adult child. Did they go to work? Did they pay their bills? Who would care for them when the patient died?

Most of these adult children were quite capable; some worked but never lived up to their parent's ideal of what they should do. The adult child was resentful: "Yes, I got your medication!" "Yes, I made the doctor appointment!" "So I forgot to call the bank! Do you have to criticise me all the time? Nothing I do is right enough for you!" In many cases, the child lived with the parent. The parent worried, not so much about themselves but about their offspring. "He'll never grow up." "She'll never grow up." The laser focus on their child compounded their stress, affected their health, and – surprise – did nothing to change their child. It may have, in fact, made their child dig in even more.

It may have been too late for these patients to change their focus. But, if you're reading this and struggling with a similar dynamic, it does not have to be too late for you.

Work these three simple steps to help break the obsession cycle.

Recognise

It’s natural to care about your child; it’s not realistic to think that’s enough to make them care about themselves the way you think they should. Recognise the obsession with your child as something you have grown accustomed to. Understand that removing it will be uncomfortable and feel unnatural. You may feel like you have no focus. In fact, you have removed the focus on your child and have space to retrain your gaze, back to you.

Regroup

Bring the focus back to you, your life, and your needs. Do this as often as necessary. In essence, this is what mindfulness or being mindful is. In this instance, you are adding a specific topic, you. Ask: What do I need to do to take care of myself just for today? In this moment? As I feel myself missing my focus on my child?

Replace

Make a short-term commitment to focus on yourself instead of your adult child. As they say in the 12 Steps—just for today. Or, just for this hour. This task. This moment. String these instances together. This is how you practise something new. Trust the belief that modelling good self-care might be the greatest –and perhaps only –gift you can give your child.

This simple exercise can help calm anxiety day to day. It can help you gain a clearer picture of what steps you need to take. If you are concerned with imminent danger then, by all means, seek appropriate help. But if you are suffering from chronic, low-grade or high-grade anxiety and see no end in sight, practising exercises like this can help change behaviours and by proxy one's outlook a little bit at a time. (psychologytoday.com)

O

minous forecasts speculate that technological innovations will replace many occupational opportunities. To combat this looming calamity, creativity is being hailed as the skill of the future. Humans who conceptualise various alternatives to solve problems in original ways will likely excel and flourish.

What is creativity?

Understanding the rapidly evolving field of creativity is complex, but a basic understanding can provide a framework to scaffold creative processes within ourselves and our children.

Generally defined as the ability to develop novel and useful ideas, creativity dazzles and delights us. From Leonardo Da Vinci's prolific constructions to Albert Einstein's theoretical propositions, we marvel at humans who develop unusual ideas that move the world.

But how do we go beyond what we already know to generate ideas that are both innovative and beneficial?

Mechanisms of creativity

Several components have been identified as essential for the development of creativity: Expertise: A large and highly developed general knowledge base.

Imaginative thinking: The ability to view ideas and situations in a new way.

Venturesome personality: The desire to seek new experiences, take chances, and tolerate uncertainty.

Creative environment: A supportive atmosphere that sparks and encourages creative thought.

Intrinsic motivation: Being internally driven by challenge and inherent interest.

The last component listed, intrinsic motivation, is often misunderstood. Employers, parents, teachers, and coaches inadvertently undermine natural drive by utilising behavioural strategies that work in the short-term to obtain behavioural change. These ostensibly effective techniques weaken creativity in the long run.

Behavioural foundations

Operant conditioning principles –namely reinforcement and punishment – uncovered by Edward Thorndike and expanded upon by BF Skinner in the first half of the 20th century –had profound effects on the way we conceptualise human and animal behaviour.

Operant conditioning motivates behaviour through external means. These techniques are highly effective and succeed at behavioural modification in a multitude of environments across species. Psychologists, educators, and employers hailed the successes of behavioural techniques for decades, but questions arose regarding their effects on longterm motivation and creativity.

In 1949, primate psychologist Harry Harlow and his colleagues were studying the behaviour of rhesus monkeys.

One day, in preparation for an upcoming experiment on learning, the researchers put puzzles into the cages with the monkeys. The puzzles required three steps to solve: Pulling out the pin.

Undoing the hook.

Lifting the hinged cover.

To the surprise of the primate researchers, without reinforcements or punishments, the monkeys started playing with and (apparently) enjoying the puzzles. Then, the monkeys became adept at solving the puzzles without operant conditioning.

The monkeys' behaviour perplexed Harlow and his colleagues. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com) To be continued Monday

NEWS

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saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt snubs salary increases for sugar workers …says GuySuCo, Union must address wages

PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence

S

hortly after the salary increases were announced for public servants, the Government has distanced itself from any increases for Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers.

At a press conference organised by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Friday, Chairperson Volda Lawrence insisted that the workers’ unions and GuySuCo would have to iron out any change in wages amongst themselves.

The last increase given to workers in the sugar industry was in 2014 but Lawrence is of the view that these workers have “never been left behind”.

The senior Minister indicated, “I’m certain that the Board of Directors would have indicated to all management who have the responsibility to speak with the workers within

their domain or under their supervision about the future of GuySuCo and what they’re doing presently and what are the objectives in both short-term and longterm”.

She added, “To all the workers of GuySuCo, they have a track record that they’ve never been left behind and that GuySuCo has always worked with their unions to ensure that they meet a collaborative agreement in terms of their remuneration and allowances”.

Meanwhile, AFC Executive Dominic Gaskin also aligned his comments

workers in public operations, are not public servants, and therefore, do not fall within the category of workers that are entitled to public service bonuses and raise of pay,” he asserted.

Last week, sugar workers attached to the Albion Sugar Estate were at the picket line. They marched the three-quarter-mile stretch from the Corentyne Highway to the estate, demanding better pay. The workers protested that the last increase paid to these workers was in 2014, under the previous Administration – People’s Progressive Party.

on Thursday said declines in the real and nominal incomes of sugar workers have been a most difficult pill to swallow for the workers and their families.

They have had to really curtail their living standards as they seek to live within their new means.

Days prior, workers attached to the Blairmont Sugar Estate also took to the streets chanting and carrying placards in protest action against the management of the Guyana Sugar

Corporation (GuySuCo) for a wage increase.

The regional representative of the GAWU said the workers can take no more.

“It is most unfortunate that an event like this has to take place at this point in time,” he said.

In 2015, while on the campaign trail, the current Government had promised that the sugar workers would receive salary increases should it be victorious at the poll. Prior to that, the sugar company

had been giving sugar workers yearly wage increases.

However, after the coalition government was elected, no increases were forthcoming but, rather, several estates were closed leaving just over 7000 workers on the breadline.

Government on Tuesday announced a raise in salaries of workers in the public sector, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan has indicated that this includes semi-autonomous bodies.

Police Force records decrease in accidents, road fatalities for 2019 – combination of drunk driving and speeding resulted in most fatal accidents

T

Workers protesting for better wages after no salary increase in five years

with that of their coalition partner when asked about the matter. Also, at a press briefing at the AFC’s headquarters, he claimed that these workers are not public servants and it is within the remit of GuySuCo to give these increases.

“I think we can say that sugar workers, just like

The workers contended that it is far too long that they have been without any rise in pay, while the costof-living has risen significantly within the last few years.

The protest was supported by the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU). GAWU

he Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that from January 1 to November 10, 2019, saw a four per cent decrease in accidents and a six per cent decrease in road deaths related to accidents when compared to the same period in 2018.

This is according to Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles on Friday during his presentation on the GPF’s “Christmas” Plan.

He noted that in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – the East Bank Demerara Sub-Division (Region Four (B))— special systems have to be put in place since this is a section where most of

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles

the serious accidents have been recorded.

“If you look at the statistics, it would show that

in 2018, there were 16 accidents with 24 deaths and in 2019, we have 17 accidents with 25 deaths. So special emphasis will be placed in that area. In addition, we can look at Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), we had 14 accidents with 14 deaths in 2018 and 15 accidents with 15 deaths in 2019”.

Touching on fatal accidents that occurred in the 10 administrative regions across Guyana for the years 2017 and 2018 during the Christmas period, the Traffic Chief stated that there has been a decrease as well. This period is from November 15, 2018, to January 15, 2019. turn to page 9

8 NEWS

saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man gets 9 months for breaking into church

S

enior Magistrate Dylon Bess on Friday sentenced 40-year-old Paul Ramsaywack to nine months’ imprisonment after he admitted to breaking into a city church and attempting to steal.

The charge against Ramsaywack alleged that between November 11 and November 12,

2019, at Waterloo Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered the Christ Church place of divine worship with intent to commit a felony.

According to Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris, the church’s priest secured the building and left for home.

However, when he returned the following day,

he observed that a window to the place of worship was open and bags were packed away at its entrance.

Upon entering the building, the priest saw the defendant and without hesitation, he took off running.

A police report was made and an investigation was launched. Ramsaywack was later identified as the

perpetrator and was taken into custody.

The court heard that the defendant was recently released from prison after being sentenced to 24 months behind bars for a similar offence.

As such, Magistrate Bess handed down the sentence.

Pensioner released on bail for sexually assaulting 6-Y-O

A

66-year-old resident of the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) was on Friday released on bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her charged for sexually assaulting a sixyear-old girl.

The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on February 15, 2019, at Supply, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of sixteen.

According to information, the accused and the

child’s grandmother are known to each other since he would normally get work done around their yard.

Reports indicate that on the day in question, the suspect was at the residence

working while the child played in the yard with her toys.

Sometime later, the victim’s grandmother left the child in the yard and went into the house.

It was then that the accused used the opportunity to touch the child’s private part.

After committing the act, the accused left the scene but the victim later told her grandmother what had happened, and a report was made.

An investigation was launched and upon its conclusion, the suspect was arrested and charged for the offence.

The Chief Magistrate released France on $75,000 bail. The case was adjourned to November 20, 2019.

Lindener fined $115,000 for traffic violations

A

Lindener was slapped with a $115,000 fine

by Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Wednesday when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, charged in relation to five traffic violations.

Twenty-three-year-old Dane Bowen, also called “Dane Boi”, of Lot 107 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, was ordered to pay

the fines after pleading guilty to all of the offences.

The court heard that on October 21, 2019, while at Green Heart Street, Mackenzie, Linden, he failed to stop the motorcycle he was riding upon the direction of a Policeman in uniform.

He was also charged for being an unlicensed driver, breach of insurance, riding a motorcycle without a hel-

met, carrying a pillion rider without a helmet and driving an unregistered motorcycle.

For the offence of driving an unregistered motor vehicle, he was fined $30,000 or six weeks in prison, driving an unlicensed vehicle: $20,000 or a month imprisonment, failure to stop when directed by Police in uniform: $20,000 or a month in

prison, breach of insurance: $25,000 or six weeks’ imprisonment and for the offences of riding a motorcycle without a helmet and carrying a pillion rider without a helmet he was fined $10,000 respectively.

The fines amounted to $115,000. The fines are to be paid by December 3, failure in which would result in Bowen doing prison time.

Sick…

T

…PNC politics he PNC Government has announced a 9% retroactive salary increase (to last Jan 1) for the 55,000 Government workers of Guyana. This follows annual salary increases of similar magnitude since 2015 when they took office. While the actual raise is on a sliding scale, the minimum rate since then has gone up some 75% and the accumulated backlog offers public servants a comparatively hefty bonanza in time for Christmas. All well and good for them.

But over in the sugar belt, even though workers haven’t gotten a raise since 2014, the Government-owned GuySuCo stared down strikers at Albion and Blairmont who demanded something to be done about their plunging standard of living. They were exhorted to produce more to achieve targets set by the corporation and earn an API bonus. Meanwhile, their real wages keep shrinking as they’re eaten away by inflation.

The question, of course, is why the disparate treatment of the two groups of Government workers? And the answer reveals why Guyana has remained stubbornly stuck at the bottom of the development totem pole in the western hemisphere. And might continue running on that spot even though oil revenues are will start flowing next year.

At one level, political scientists refer to what’s going on as “clientelism”: the exchange for money, goods or services for political support. The PNC gives the public servants the cash infusion so that they’ll get their votes to come next March 2. A quid pro quo.

But this doesn’t explain why they didn’t give the same inducement to the sugar workers to get their votes. Not even in 2015, when the AFC brought in the votes of a good number of them to take the PNC coalition over the wire. The trite political strategy would’ve advised that the pool of sugar workers voting for the coalition, via the AFC, could’ve been increased if clientelistic policies were implemented. But not only were no raises given to sugar workers – 7000 of them were fired the next year as 4 sugar factories were shuttered.

It just didn’t make sense, unless the PNC wanted to cut the AFC at the knees by running roughshod over their sugar-belt supporters; sorta like cutting their nose to spite the AFC’s face!! But in the context of Guyana’s racial/ethnic cleavages in general, and the PNC’s desire to be seen as leading a “multiracial” government in particular, their decisions on the differential wage awards will certainly increase racial polarisation here. What the PNC had done is drive Indians who might’ve “strayed” back under the PPP’s tent.

With this political alignment, and the PNC’s historic inability to garner more than 42% of the votes, it means they’ve got a Plan B!!

Rig baby! Rig!! …politics retarding development While a lot of commentators rightfully bemoan the racially-directed clientelistic policies of the PNC and its effect on destroying the swing vote sector that sustains democratic politics, they’ve ignored its effect of undermining and destroying our economic development.

Let’s face it…economic policies that ignore half of the population can’t do anything but retard development. It’s like forcing a prizefighter to take on opponents with one hand tied behind his back.

Take, for example, the PNC’s insistence that agriculture and agro-processing represent the future of Guyana’s sustainable development and the cure for the dreaded “Dutch Disease”. How can the PNC arrange for a $2.6 billion grant and a loan facility from the CDB – which all of Guyana has to repay – and use it to develop agricultural facilities behind four African villages (Ithaca, Buxton, BV and Mocha) and keep 7000 fired sugar workers away from leasing the abandoned sugar lands? Are they not also men and brothers??

Aren’t they already familiar with agriculture? Couldn’t these lands be cultivated with crops (like coconuts?) and marketed.

To develop Guyana?? …patronage “Patronage” is a subset of clientelism and refers to circulating benefits to party members. It’s exemplified by “The Volda Principle”.

“The only friends I got is PNC so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC”.

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

news

9

saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Over 600 murders committed under APNU/AFC’s watch – 567 illegal firearms seized

A

whopping 631 murders have been recorded in Guyana between 2015 and 2019, although the APNUP/AFC Government held out that the crime situation in Guyana was under control.

According to Acting Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, in the year 2015, there were 149 murders and in 2016, this figure was slightly reduced to 142.

A further reduction to 115 murders was recorded in the year 2017 and in the following year (2018), there were 111 murders countrywide.

However, with less than two months away from 2019 end, there have been a total of 114 murders recorded in Guyana, with disorderly murders dominating the list of the types of murders committed.

“In 2015, we have a total of 64. For 2016, 2017 and 2018 they are all over the figure of 50. And so, far for 2019, we are at 63”.

He explained that data retrieved by investigators reveal that disorderly murders frequently occur in interior locations such as Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and that this form of murder is of major concern to law enforcement officials.

“This is resulting from the heavy drinking and sporting.

It is a known fact that it is not easy to contain this kind of murder. But we are partnering with our stakeholders at the moment in order to minimise this kind of be-

haviour within the interior locations”.

The Crime Chief (acting) also noted that in the interior locations, when the numbers of disorderly murders from those regions are added, the final figure is higher than the total number of disorderly murders committed in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), which caters for the largest population regionally.

Meanwhile, according to the Acting Crime Chief, with murders that occurred during the commissioning of robberies, there was a reduction when compared to 2018.

“In 2015, we started off at 24. We went up a bit to 28 in 2016 and in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, there has been a reduction. For domestic murders, in the year 2015 we started at 21, for 2016 we came in line again with 21 and in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 there has been a reduction with an exception of 2018, there was an increase up to 25”.

As it relates to execution-type murders, in 2015, while there were 11 cases, in 2019, only 4 have been recorded to date. However, Kingston added that in the category of unknown murders, in 2015, there were 28 cases recorded but this has been greatly reduced with only 14 documented for this year.

Bulk of illegal firearms being sourced from Brazil Meanwhile,

over

the

Police Force records decrease...

From page 7

“We had 22 fatal accidents in 2017 with 22 deaths and in 2018, we had 22 accidents with 23 deaths— which is a reduction. But we know that one death is far too many, so we are looking to have a reduction during the Christmas period. We know this is a period where persons normally imbibe and drive, so we will do extra educational programmes. We will continue to enforce the laws against driving under the influence of alcohol”.

Isles also explained that between 2017 and 2019 thus far, there have been over 34,000 vehicles registered in the country with 2017 recording 10,697; 2018 registering 12,321 and up to November of this year, there were 11,614 also registered.

He pointed out that this

means that there are many more drivers on the roadways while noting that the majority of the fatal accidents occurred as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol.

“This offence we have seen an increase in fatalities with persons driving under the influence of alcohol.

Almost 90 per cent of our fatal accidents are caused by persons driving under the influence of alcohol and a combination of speeding”.

Isles added that the GPF Traffic Department will be upping the ante to condignly deal with drivers who are caught driving any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol as part of ensuring that their lives, as well as innocent persons, are protected.

Acting Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston

five-year period between 2015 and 2019, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) managed to seize 567 illegal firearms throughout the 10 adminis-

trative regions in Guyana.

According to Kingston, in the year 2015, 115 firearms were seized, 110 recovered in 2016, and in the year

2017, a total of 119 firearms were retrieved. Last year, the GPF seized 140 illegal firearms and for the year 2019 to date, there were 83 illegal firearms recovered.

“So far, we have seized 54 pistols, 16 revolvers, 9 shotguns, two rifles, one sub-machine gun. We also pay keen attention to the origin of these firearms. And so far, the research has shown that most of our firearms entered Guyana from neighbouring country Brazil with 177 illegal firearms”.

He noted that the second most popular country, which

those illegal weapons are being sourced from, is the United States of America with 162 being seized in the last five years.

Additionally, there is a notable number of illegal firearms that the GPF was able to recover but the Force is unable to determine where those weapons were sourced from.

“Some of the firearms that we recovered does not have any serial number. It is being filed off. As well as where it is made, that is being filed off,” Kingston added.

10 NEWS

saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Motorcyclist dies in accident 2 GPF to boost security for Christmas season days shy of 50th birthday

A

Gurdatt Hemraj

motorcyclist, who was preparing to celebrate his 50th birthday in two days, was on Thursday killed after he collided with a car in East Canje, Berbice.

The dead man has been identified as Gurdatt Hemraj, also called “Mahindra” and “Mohen”, a security guard of Lot 20 Goed Bananen Land, Canje.

Reports are that motorcycle was proceeding north along the Canefield Public Road East, Canje, while the motorcar bearing registration num-

The motorcycle that Gurdatt Hemraj was riding at the time of the incident

ber PLL 8511 was heading in the opposite direction. The car reportedly attempted to turn into a street when the collision took place.

Hemraj received injuries and was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he regained consciousness but subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

His sister, Dropati Persaud, told Guyana Times that she was able to speak with her brother after he be-

came conscious.

In fact, the woman, who resides in Queens, New York, is visiting Guyana for her brother’s birthday celebrations.

“He was preparing for a religious function and he was making the shed. He left home to go and purchase some electrical fittings so that he can finish off the electrical part of the project,” Persaud related.

She explained that she was informed of the accident via a neighbour and by the time she arrived at the scene, her broth-

er had already been taken to the hospital.

“Before he died, I went into the room and saw him and he held onto my hand and he was yelling: ‘My sister, I am dying, I am in a lot of pain’,” she said while breaking into tears.

Referring to her brother, she said he was always very nice to her.

“I came back in February and he asked me to be back for his 50th birthday, and I told him yes, I will come back,” she cried.

Hemraj reportedly left Guyana several years ago and returned in November last year awaiting some paperwork to allow him full rights in the US. While at home, he worked as a security guard. In the US, he worked in the construction industry. The father of two was expected to return to the US shortly.

Meanwhile, the driver of the motorcar, a 22-year-old sales representative, was taken into Police custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Regional Subdivision Commander Commissioner, Marlon Chapman

T

o minimise traffic congestion, lessen road fatalities and provide a safe environment during the busiest season of the year, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as customary, has put systems into place to maintain law and order during the festive season.

These policing strategies were revealed on Friday during the presentation of the Force’s plans at its headquarters in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The presence of Police Officers is expected to increase in the capital city, which commenced on Friday and will be in place until January 15, 2020.

These measures are to ensure a safer business environment for Guyana’s citizens and visitors, given the increase in both commercial activities and traffic build-up across the country.

The Region’s Division 4 (A) (Georgetown) has been divided into nine sections to provide security at specific areas where criminal activities are most likely to occur and will be overseen by ranks of this division.

This was according to Regional Subdivision Commander and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marlon Chapman.

Further, continued focus will be placed on noise nuisance and the enforcement of the curfew, which will be accompanied by roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, as well as regular patrols

and

Assistant

Police

at popular business places during specific hours.

However, according to the Commander, between December 22 and December 31, these hours are expected to be adjusted to accommodate late shopping.

“Full Police patrols will be done between 06:00h and 10:00h in the morning, from 09:00h to 13:00h; from 12:00h to 16:00h and from 15:00h to 20:00h... between December 22 and 31…the full patrol timings will be adjusted to accommodate later shopping,” he said.

Meanwhile, in terms of traffic control, Traffic Chief Linden Isles has noted that traffic officers will be placed at various districts most likely to have traffic congestion.

Special attention will be placed on some bus parks, together with increased patrols across Guyana.

“Special emphasis will be placed on the areas connecting East Coast and Berbice bus and car park, and Stabroek Market Stelling area. There will be an increase in motorcar, motorcycle and foot patrol throughout the country and in Georgetown,” the Traffic Chief pointed out.

Furthermore, he noted that persons committing offences such as drinking and driving, overloading of minibuses and use of coloured lights will be dealt with according to the law, as the Traffic Department will be placing more attention on such.

APNU, AFC battling...

From page 3

However, the minority party in the coalition seems to have gotten its way for Ramjattan to be Granger’s running mate at next year’s March 2 elections.

At Friday’s press conference, the AFC Executive said that with the exception of the issue regarding the allocation of seats and posts, “all other terms of the accord have been provisionally agreed”.

But when asked to confirm that Ramjattan was accepted by the APNU, Gaskin said “I don’t want to confirm too much. In other words, I don’t want to divulge any details that have been negotiated”.

On the other hand, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the leading party

in the APNU fraction of the coalition – Volda Lawrence also shied away from confirming Ramjattan’s acceptance, saying at a separate press conference on Friday that negotiations are still ongoing and at the end of it, the parties will speak.

Nevertheless, the AFC remains confident in Ramjattan as its Prime Ministerial candidate.

“Our party has full confidence in Minister Ramjattan’s ability to function in that role. We believe, he brings a good balance to the Presidential Candidate… and we are confident that he can bring votes to a coalition campaign. So we are very confident that he will deliver the results,” the AFC Executive posited.

NEws

11

saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

DDL launches oil and gas support company D

emerara Distillers Limited (DDL), through its subsidiary Demerara Contractors and Engineering Limited (DCEL), has partnered with Caribbean Welding Supplies Ltd (CWSL) to establish an oil and gas services joint venture, Demerara Offshore Incorporated.

This was announced in a statement on Friday.

The release stated that

Demerara Offshore will be providing a wide range of services to the oil and gas sector that include the development of a world-class shore base facility, welding and fabrication, electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, blasting and painting, specialised coating, non-destructive testing and inspection, valve repairs, pressure testing, waste management and disposal, catering, equip-

ment rental, and human resource development.

DCEL Chairman Komal Samaroo said, “after very careful consideration and evaluation of the opportunities in the oil and gas sector, the company entered into the joint venture with CWSL from Trinidad and Tobago”.

Samaroo added that “under this arrangement, we hope that we can add to the local content of the

Burnt car belong to missing murder witness – acting Crime Chief

– forensic lab to conduct testing on remains to determine identity of burnt remains

in the left leg.

A passerby was also shot in the process.

The injured men were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where Rodney later succumbed.

Missing murder trial witness Collin Rodney, also known as “Glock”, “Troy” and “Cutty”

T

he burnt car which contained the charred remains, which was discovered in a swampy area in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), on November 1, belongs to missing witness in a murder trial, 36-year-old Collin Rodney.

This was confirmed by Acting Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, who also told reporters on Friday that the identity of the charred remains is still to be determined.

“Well we have submitted samples to the [Guyana] Forensic Laboratory and we await the results…the lab has accepted the samples so I would presume that it would be tested here. And I think I saw something in the press that the person who is running the lab would have made some statements as it relates to the testing.”

Kingston noted that investigations are still ongoing into the matter, but with regard to how soon the local cops would receive the results from the bone samples submitted to the forensic lab, he was unsure.

“I cannot dictate the scientist’s work…Indeed the chassis number did match the records at the Guyana Revenue Authority…It [burnt car] belongs to Rodney.”

Earlier this month, the Crime Chief (ag) had told this publication that since the gruesome discovery on November 1, news has been circulating that the burnt body belongs to Rodney of lot

70 Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, Georgetown.

However, at that time, he had stressed that such pronouncements at this stage of investigations are “speculation and presumptions”.

Rodney, a former policeman, also known as “Glock”, “Troy” and “Cutty” was last seen on October 25, 2019, at about 08:00h, when he left his home to attend court to give evidence in the murder trial of his cousin, Marlon Rodney.

He was a witness to his cousin’s murder.

He had left his residence driving his car, a silver-grey Toyota Allion, PRR 1076, which is believed to be the car that was torched on Nov 1.

However, he was a no show in court.

Thirty-nine-year-old Osafa Grundell, called “Safo”, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, and James Fraser, 21, called “Dab”, of Garnett Street, Georgetown, were charged for the murder of Marlon Seon Rodney, called “George”.

It is alleged that between April 25 and April 30 last, at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, the 35-year-old taxi driver of Lot 71 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was involved in a heated argument with Grundell, Fraser and another man called “Curl Up”.

The accused reportedly whipped out firearms after the row escalated and discharged several rounds at Marlon Rodney, who was hit

DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo and CWSL CEO Nigel Bennett signing while DDL Finance Controller Vasudeo Singh and CWSL Chief Marketing Officer Darren Debideen look on

oil and gas sector through the various contracts that we would be entering into, and through the development of the human skills in the country to meet the standards required by the industry”.

Demerara Offshore will bring real value-added opportunities to Guyanese and the Guyana economy.

Through our partnerships with world-leading products and services provid-

ers, Demerara Offshore will leverage substantial knowledge and expertise to develop Guyanese capacity. Demerara Offshore is in the final stages of negotiations with companies worldwide including ASCO and NSL, HB Rentals - a branch of Superior Energy of the USA, KOS Kentintrol Valves out of the UK, and Jotun Paints.

CEO of CWSL, Nigel Bennett said, “This is a

great opportunity for our two companies. In Trinidad and Tobago, given our long industrial and oil experience, we have a lot to offer Guyana as our Caricom family. We are delighted to support our lead partner DDL. This is an initiative for Guyana’s development and DDL has a long history of serving this country.”

Bennett added that “the efforts of Demerara Offshore will allow for the development of both the technologies and the human resources required for the development of the Guyana oil and gas industry. It is important that Guyanese themselves are trained and prepared to take the sector forward with Guyanese character.”

Demerara Offshore is committed to making the cost of services for the oil and gas sector in Guyana more competitive through the development of Guyanese capacity and capability.

12 NEWS 6-year-old beaten with broken glass bottle at school S saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

By: Devina Samaroo

ix-year-old Fawaz Asgar is now traumatised after a fellow schoolmate slashed his hand with a broken glass bottle at the Mon Repos Primary School, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The child’s mother, Fazia Khan, is extremely perturbed and is now questioning the safety of schools in the country.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Fawaz was playing in the school’s compound with other pupils when one of them reportedly picked up a broken glass bottle and slashed his hand.

The wound was gaping and blood was flowing out profusely.

According to the lad, the other pupils began to make fun of him when he started to cry out in pain.

His mother recalled that when she arrived at the school, her son was sitting in the classroom with tears streaming down his cheeks and blood all over his hand.

Teachers had wrapped

Fawaz Asgar and his mother, Fazia Khan

the cut with some tissues but it did little to stop the bleeding.

The woman is disappointed that the educators did not take the child to a health centre for immediate medical attention.

“They didn’t even have a first-aid kit to look after the child or take him to the health centre…suppose my child did bleed out on them or anything worse had happened?”

The woman is also perplexed about the existence of

a heap of broken bottles in the school’s compound.

She also questioned the lack of supervision for students that young. “They shouldn’t even be allowed out in the yard,” she contended.

Moreover, the woman is worried about the state of her son’s hand, particularly the recovery process.

“They [the doctors] don’t know if there is going to have any pinch nerves or if he will get any feelings there,” the woman explained.

The school is said to be in-

vestigating the matter, but Khan is not hopeful that any justice will be served.

Earlier this month, Richard Boodram, 8, was reportedly beaten by five of his classmates, also at the Mon Repos Primary School.

The child was reportedly struck to his head with a bottle and a piece of wood and had to be hospitalised for several days.

His mother, Devika Persaud, was fearful that her child would have died.

Guyana’s Education Ministry has been silent on both matters.

School-based violence is a subset of youth violence that has become a serious public health problem in the Latin American region, the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) said.

It noted that while school violence is rarely lethal, it can lead to a wide array of negative health behaviours and outcomes, including alcohol and drug use, depression, anxiety, and many other psychological problems including, in extreme cases, suicide.

Richard Boodram’s injuries

In October 2019, a female student attached to a school in Berbice was badly beaten and her hijab ripped off by other students.

In March 2019, a student attached to the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), also in

him with a belt.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that around 150 million students between the ages of 13 and 15 have reported experiencing peer-to-peer violence in and around school.

And even more worrying is that students who grow up around violence are more likely to re-enact violence, UNICEF said.

For Fazia Khan, the violence meted out against her child is not something she will tolerate and she is contemplating transferring her six-year-old son to another school, in light of the concerns about safety at the Mon Repos Primary School.

“I feel hurt because you’re sending your child to school thinking that they are safe

The injury sustained to Fawaz Asgar’s hand

Berbice, was viciously attacked by a group of other students, who were beating

and there is nobody there to look over them, not even the teachers,” she lamented.

Youth jailed for stealing mother’s money

T

wenty-four-year-old man who was recently released from prison is once again in hot water after he allegedly stole a sum of money from his mother.

Kevin Christopher of Houston, Housing Scheme, Greater Georgetown reappeared before Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was slapped with a simple larceny charge.

He admitted that on November 14, 2019 at Houston, Housing Scheme, he stole $10,000 from Michelle Balkaran, his mother.

Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh stated that on the day in question, the virtual complainant put the money in her purse and left home.

However, upon her return, she observed the defendant with the purse in his hands, and subsequently asked him to hand it over with the cash inside but he refused to do so.

The VC reported the matter thus resulting in the young man being arrested and later charged for the present offence.

Magistrate Bess, without hesitation sentenced the unrepresented youth to six

Jailed: Kevin Christopher

months behind bars.

In 2018, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman sentenced Christopher to 18 months behind bars for stealing a cellular phone.

It was reported that on June 22, 2018, at Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, he stole one Samsung phone valued $75,000, property of Alan Campbell.

news

13

saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Republic Bank experiencing challenges with new system (CSEC) fee and waited three hours in a line before the transaction was completed.

Other persons have vented on social media that there are no extra staff to address the extra traffic, which oftentimes extends outside of the building.

Earlier this month, the bank informed its customers that operations would be closed for a few days to facilitate a migration of its banking system to a newer

One of Republic Bank’s branches

R

epublic Bank (Guyana) Limited recently upgraded to a newer banking system – one that has been providing quite some challenges to consumers.

According to a notice issued by the bank, it is seeking to have these issues resolved at the earliest to ensure better services to customers.

“As with the introduction of any new system, we are experiencing challenges. We recognise the impact of our service delivery and wish to assure our valued customers and stakeholders, that we are committed to resolving these challeng-

es in the shortest timeframe possible,” Republic Bank explained.

In accepting the patience of customers and apologising for inconveniences, persons were asked to make any queries at the nearest branch or the customer care official at 223-7938, extension 2620.

Since the November 4 transition to a newer system, many persons have complained about the long waiting time to conduct transactions. One woman would have indicated that she visited the Vreed-enHoop branch to pay for her child’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

one and to enhance customers’ banking experience.

Republic Bank Guyana Limited (RBL) has revealed that its profit before taxation for the year 2018 was a staggering $4.664 billion, and its net income for that same year was a whopping $3.134 billion. This is an increase of 14.4 per cent over the $2.738 billion the bank had earned in 2017.

In the Director’s Report, Managing Director of

Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Richard Sammy said normal banking operations accounted for $2.951 billion. He attributed these increased earnings to the sale of the bank’s fixed assets.

Earlier this year, Republic Bank has had to contend with customers complaining of millions of dollars going missing from their accounts. Some customers even took to social

media to call the bank out over the discrepancies.

In May, RBL publicly confirmed that the monies were indeed missing, after previously denying knowledge of the reports.

After several customers had reached out to Guyana Times about their missing money, a call to the bank by this publication was met with denial by one of its managers.

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saturday, november 16, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

GTT’s PR team benefits from writing seminar in Barbados

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ublic Relations (PR) and Corporate Communication functions are still relevant in companies across the world, said Barbados-based Awardwinning corporate editor and writer, Richard Thomas.

Thomas was at the time speaking to corporate public relations and marketing personnel at a “Write Like a Pro” seminar held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Hastings, Barbados, on November 13, 2019.

With efforts to further enhance the Public Relations and Corporate Communications skillset at GTT, members of the company’s PR Department attended the one-day event.

Jasmin Harris, Crystal Stoll and Diana Gittens, who form the team that manages GTT’s PR and Corporate Communication, were at the seminar.

During the learning session, the presenter stressed the importance of having a vibrant Public Relations Department within corporate entities, while noting the supportive role PR plays along with marketing. He encouraged those in attendance to write and influence

Award-winning corporate editor and writer Richard Thomas and regional consultant Renatta Mohammed with GTT’s PR team

the public credibly.

Thomas expressed specific gratitude to GTT for investing in its staff – and for making it possible for them to be a part of the seminar.

“Communication is a basic craft everyone should have.

Writing is still a fundamental skill in any organisation and an art form to those who embrace PR as a profession,” Thomas said.

GTT’s PR team dubbed the one-day event as “instructive”.

“The event was timely for our department. We have expanded our team and are on a drive to do more, not only for the company but

our customers and stakeholders. We were grateful to be a part of this informative session that has opened our minds to greater strengths and styles of writing. I am certain that with the key takeaways, our PR Department at GTT will achieve much more,” said GTT’s PR Manager, Jasmin Harris.

Harris commended GTT for continuously investing in its staff. “GTT aims to be the employer of choice by 2020, and investing in employees through constant training helps the company to achieve this goal,” she said.

news

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saturday, november 16, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Region 10 Commander outlines crime-prevention strategies

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ith the recent appointment of Regional Police Commanders across the country, Region 10’s (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Commander, Hugh Winter, has outlined a number of crime-fighting strategies which are being implemented.

The Regional Commander noted that an increase in Police patrols is one of the main methods being utilised as a means of crime prevention.

Speaking from the police headquarters in Linden recently, Winter explained that enhanced community relations are also on the front burner.

“This Division is doing

a lot of patrols. We have to patrol 24 hours day and night we have patrols on the Wismar shore, we have on McKenzie, we have anti-crime person trained, anti-crime at Wismar, we also have CID (Criminal Investigative Department) patrols and ATVs”, Winter explained.

More patrols have been deployed in the wake of the recent robbery which was committed on Wismar money changer Balram Bridgelall also known as “Peter”. Bridgelall of Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, was robbed of $700,000 in cash and a Nokia cell phone valued $45,000 as he was returning home last Saturday.

Commander Hugh Winter

The Linden community has been experiencing a number of armed robberies in recent times.

The Regional

Commander also stated that the headquarters is aiming to maintain good police/community relationship as another crime pre-

vention strategy. He explained that so far, there is a good relationship that exists between ranks and citizens of the community.

“We have a good relationship with the community, especially the business community. During the course of the morning when we do our exercise, we normally meet the people and our relationship with the community is very good”, Winter said.

He also indicated that he has an open-door policy.

“From the day I took office I have seen a number of persons, whether it be you’re a business person or a labourer, anybody could come and see me. You have a concern, come and see

the Commander, no problem”, he noted.

The Commander had recently indicated that the police checkpoint at Bamia along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway has also been quite effective in crime prevention, not only for Linden but also interior locations.

The headquarters is expected to roll out its holiday policing strategy soon in light of the upcoming holiday season.

The region is currently being led by Commander Winter, Regional Deputy Commander Deputy Superintendent Dexter Browne and third in charge Assistant Superintendent Jermaine Harper.

GTT supports women in technology

Female employee completes Master’s in Information Systems Management

A

female Systems Analyst at Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has returned from Brunel University in London with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems Management.

Shevon Morris, Systems Analyst for the past eight years, expressed gratitude to her employer for the opportunity to study abroad and learn more within her chosen field. Her studies were made possible through a scholarship from GTT. “To know that my workplace has my best interest at heart was moving and I will forever be grateful for the support given to my professional growth,” Morris said.

Morris explained that her recent studies provided the opportunity to examine

which we accomplish the company’s commitment to employee growth and development,” said Justin Nedd, CEO of GTT in congratulating Morris on her achievement.

Nedd reiterated GTT’s general commitment to creating a workplace where

Shevon Morris

the integration of people, processes and technology in an organisational context. “I was able to reflect on existing processes and technologies utilised to carry out my duties. I immediately thought of ways to improve processes and how state-of-the-art technologies can be leveraged to

achieve the company’s customer-focused vision,” she explained.

“GTT is extremely proud of Shevon; not only for successfully completing her Master’s Degree but for fueling the true meaning behind ‘Women in STEM’.

Investing in our employees is one of the many ways in

employees are empowered, engaged and happy. As a technology company, GTT has specifically advocated for persons to be involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

In her role at GTT, Morris develops and main-

tains the data infrastructure of the company, which she uses to generate reports on the products and services of the company.

These reports impact decision making, strategy and adjustments to the benefit of customers.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURday, november 16, 2019

Regional

Belize trying to solve illegal Caribbean Embassy to Kenya to migration from Guatemala be based in Antigua and Barbuda

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he Belize Government says it has taken “several diplomatic steps” towards the “peaceful and expeditious” removal of Guatemalan nationals who have encroached on private property in the Barrio El Juda area, Cayo District.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) had also conducted a joint operation “to officially inform the settlers that they are illegally inhabiting Belizean territory and to provide a timeline for the voluntary re-

moval of their belongings”.

It said that all illegal construction has ceased since that joint operation and that high-level officials within the Ministry of National Security, the BDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made multiple visits to the area.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the OAS/AZ office, has taken several diplomatic steps towards the peaceful and expeditious removal of the settlers,” the statement said, adding that the Ministry of National Security is seeking to “reassure the public that it

remains vigilant and steadfast in taking measures to ensure the territorial integrity of Belize”.

The two countries have had a long standing border dispute and countries have voted to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to make a decision on the dispute.

Guatemala recognised the independence of Belize at the beginning of the 1990s, but it never accepted the borders and continues to claim about 11,000 square kilometres, about half the territory of the former British colony.

(CMC)

creating jobs, and enhancing climate resilience are critical priorities for Jamaica,” said Ozan Sevimli, World Bank Representative for Jamaica.

“The World Bank is delighted to support the continuation of the REDI project that will provide additional income opportunities for poor rural households—with a focus on youth and women,” Sevimli added.

Nearly half of Jamaica's population lives in rural areas and agriculture accounts for eight per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing over 18 per cent of the active population, the bank said.

Pointing out that tourism is another critical driver of the Jamaican economy, accounting for over nine per cent of GDP in 2016, World Bank said REDI II will promote

linkages between these two key sectors by developing efficient tourism clusters, with an emphasis on enhancing connections between producers, service “The impact of extreme weather events poses significant potential losses to GDP and employment in Jamaica.

Climate resilient approaches under the REDI II project aim to incorporate increased access to climate-smart technologies and infrastructure.

It will also promote adaptation and mitigation measures to improve productivity, boost resilience and build sustainability,” a World Bank press release said.

The bank said the Jamaican Social Investment Fund will implement REDI II on behalf of the Government of Jamaica. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

World Bank approves US$40M for Jamaica to boost agriculture, rural livelihoods

T

he World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today a US$40 million loan for Jamaica to boost income opportunities and job creation in rural areas through the second phase of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI II).

World Bank said the project will improve access to markets and resilience to climate change for around 200 agricultural and rural tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises. It will also provide training for relevant public sector institutions and partners.

Around 70,000 people are expected to benefit from investments in productive activities, training, and capacity building, with inclusion of youth and women as a priority, the bank said.

“Reducing rural poverty,

Amid protests, Chile moves towards dumping Pinochet-era Constitution

C

hilean lawmakers agreed on Friday to hold a referendum next April on replacing the country’s unpopular Pinochet-era Constitution, bowing to demands of protesters who say the country’s decades-old social model has created deep inequality.

The move, agreed in the early hours of the morning, boosted the country’s battered markets, with the Chilean peso and the domestic equities market climbing strongly.

Amid protests that have raged for a month in the South American nation, Chile’s existing Magna Carta, written and approved during General Augusto Pinochet’s 1973-1990 military dictatorship, has become a lightning rod for anger.

Voters will be asked whether they approve the idea of a new constitution and whether current lawmakers should serve on the commission that would redraft the document.

The two-page “Agreement for Peace and a New Constitution,” signed after

A demonstrator holding a Mapuche flag is detained by a member of the security forces during a protest against Chile's Government in Santiago, Chile

midnight following intense negotiations, calls for a “commitment to re-establish peace and public order in Chile”.

Riots, arson and looting have killed more than 20 people, caused extensive damage and prompted President Sebastian Pinera to call soldiers onto the streets. The Chilean peso this week plunged to a new low against the dollar.

Lawmakers revised the original 1980 document after Chile returned to democracy, but many say it still falls short, failing to ensure for proper healthcare, education and citizen participation in govern-

ment.

Opponents of an overhaul say the charter has been a pillar of stability for Chile, among the region’s strongest and most investor-friendly economies.

The details will be worked out by a constitutional convention whose composition will be determined in the April referendum. A second vote, in October 2020, will allow voters to select those who will finally serve on the convention.

A final vote on the draft itself will be obligatory for all voting age Chileans, according to the agreement. (Reuters)

A

ntigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is currently engaged in talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to establish an embassy in Antigua that will serve the Eastern Caribbean states.

Both leaders agreed to establish diplomatic representation between the two countries, and to execute a cooperation agreement to promote bilateral trade and investments.

Government spokesman, Lionel Hurst, explained that, “it is not uncommon for African countries to place a single embassy in one place that has responsibilities for other countries within the hemisphere”.

Hurst describes the encounter as being one where Prime Minister Browne, “made a pitch,” to President

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

Kenyatta for Antigua and Barbuda to, “be the home for the Kenyan Embassy that would most likely serve other countries in the Eastern Caribbean.”

Hurst described the proposed arrangement as one that could be seen between

nations like South Africa which has a single embassy in Jamaica or India which has a single embassy in Guyana. In both cases, the respective embassies serve the states in the greater Eastern Caribbean.

(Antigua Observer)

Gang violence hits Mexican leader's ratings, US warns of “parallel government”

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upport for Mexico’s President has fallen some ten percentage points during a surge in gang-related violence, a poll showed on Friday, just as the US Ambassador voiced concern about “parallel government” by cartels in parts of the country.

The November 6 -11 survey of 1000 Mexicans for newspaper El Universal showed President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had an approval rating of 58.7%, down from 68.7% in late August. The poll had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

Although Lopez Obrador’s popularity remains strong compared with many world leaders, nearly one year into his administration, scepticism is growing about his performance on the back of several shocking security lapses to recently roil Mexico.

Last month the president took flak from critics when it emerged security forces had released a son of the notorious kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman after heavily-armed cartel gunmen overwhelmed security forces and briefly took control of the northern city of Culiacan.

A tow truck transports the wreckage of a Police patrol car after an ambush by suspected cartel on Police Officers in El Aguaje, in Michoacan state, Mexico

That criticism was compounded by outrage and condemnation of the government from some US lawmakers when suspected cartel gunmen massacred three mothers and six children of dual US-Mexican nationality in northern Mexico last week.

US President Donald Trump has responded by suggesting Mexico should join the United States to fight the cartels, fueling concerns that the American leader could use gang violence to put pressure on the Mexican government as he has over migration.

Speaking on Thursday, the US Ambassador in Mexico City, Christopher Landau, offered a terse as-

sessment of the situation, saying there were parts of Mexico in which drug cartels formed a kind of “parallel government”.

“It can’t be that the territory where they have this kind of power continues to expand across the country,” Landau said on Thursday during an event in the northern city of Monterrey in remarks that were later broadcast on television.

“The future of Mexico is so important that if we don’t fight this now, it’s going to get much worse,” he added.

A dozen years of gang-fuelled violence have claimed well over 200,000 lives in Mexico and murders hit record levels last year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

IMF gives Barbados passing grade

T

he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given Barbados a passing grade following its latest review of the country’s economy recovery efforts.

The IMF’s Barbados Mission Chief Bert van Selm ended a two-week official review visit in Barbados on Friday with news that the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programme

(BERT), supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, and “is on track”.

He said Government “continues to make good progress in implementing its ambitious economic reform programme”, with the fiscal adjustment is proceeding as planned, and the financial sector remaining sound “despite a significant impact from the domestic debt restructuring”.

But van Selm also said “reducing transfers to Stateowned enterprises is key for sustainable fiscal consolidation”.

He added that “structural reform is necessary to unlock Barbados’ growth potential”, and “improving resilience to natural disasters and climate change will help strengthen the outlook”. (Barbados Nation News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURday, november 16, 2019

17

Around the World

Trump attacks impeachment witness Yovanovitch during hearing

U

S President Donald Trump launched a Twitter attack on a former US Ambassador to Ukraine on Friday while she was testifying to an impeachment hearing in Congress, in an extraordinary moment that Democrats said amounted to witness intimidation - a label Trump and Republicans rejected.

Trump blasted Marie Yovanovitch, a career diplomat, as she explained to the second day of televised impeachment hearings how she had fought corruption in Ukraine and how the Trump Administration abruptly removed from her post earlier this year.

Democrats say Yovanovitch was pulled back to Washington, DC, to clear the way for Trump allies to persuade Ukraine to launch corruption probes into Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who was on

the board of a Ukrainian energy company.

Trump’s pressure on Ukraine is at the heart of the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry into whether the Republican President misused US foreign policy to undermine one of his potential opponents in the 2020 election.

As Yovanovitch testified, Trump fired off criticism on Twitter in a move Democrats labelled “real-time” witness intimidation.

“Everywhere Marie Yovanovitch went turned bad. She started off in Somalia, how did that go?”

Trump asked.

In the most dramatic moment of the impeachment hearings that began on Wednesday, Adam Schiff, the Democrat chairing the hearing in the House Intelligence Committee, asked Yovanovitch for her reaction to the tweet. She said it was “very intimidating”.

“I can’t speak to what the President is trying to do, but I think the effect is to be intimidating,” she said.

Schiff replied: “Well, I want to let you know, Ambassador, that some of us here take witness intimidation very, very seriously.”

Afterwards, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, a member of the committee, told reporters the Trump attack could be considered for a separate article of impeachment against Trump for obstruction of justice.

“It’s evidence of more obstruction: intimidating, tampering with the witness’s testimony. But it really goes to guilt, his knowledge of what he did,” Swalwell said.

“Innocent people just don’t do this.”

At the White House, Trump told reporters he did not think his tweets were intimidating.

“I have the right to speak. I have freedom of

Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch is sworn in prior to providing testimony before the House Intelligence Committee

speech just as other people do,” Trump said.

Yovanovitch was removed from her post as Ambassador to Kyiv in May after coming under attack

by Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, at a time when he was working to persuade Ukraine to carry out an investigation into former Vice President Joe

Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the Board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Giuliani also was trying to engineer a Ukrainian investigation into a debunked conspiracy theory embraced by some Trump allies that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election.

The main focus of the impeachment inquiry is a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was elected in May, to open the investigations.

Democrats are looking into whether Trump abused his power by withholding $391 million in US security aid to Ukraine as leverage to pressure Kiev to investigate Joe Biden, who is also a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to take on Trump in the 2020 election.

The hearings could pave

the way for the Democraticled House to approve articles of impeachment - formal charges - against Trump.

That would lead to a trial in the Senate on whether to convict Trump and remove him from office. Republicans control the Senate and have shown little support for Trump’s removal.

Many Republicans in Congress say Trump’s actions regarding Ukraine are not impeachable offences, and the President denies any wrongdoing.

Republicans have offered no evidence of corruption by former Vice President Biden or his son.

During their questioning, Republicans on the panel praised Yovanovitch for her long career of foreign service, a characterisation at odds with Trump’s description of her as “bad news” in the call with Ukraine’s President. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sri Lanka set for presidential China envoy threatens to ban Swedish vote after divisive campaign Minister over Gui Minhai award

S

ri Lankans are set to vote today to elect a new President in an election that has seen rising religious tensions and a slowing economy take centre stage in the South Asian island nation.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a former Defence Minister and brother of twotime former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Sajith Premadasa, the ruling United National Party’s (UNP) candidate, are the top two contenders in a poll that has a record 35 candidates vying to lead Sri Lanka’s Government.

Historically, voter turnout for presidential elections has been high, with more than 81.5 per cent of voters casting their ballots

S

Police and election officials carry election materials to various polling stations before the presidential poll

in the last election in 2015.

The six-week campaign divided the country, with Rajapaksa promising to bring in strong, centralised leadership to tackle security, boasting of his credentials of being the Defence Minister who presided over the end of Sri Lanka’s 26-year war with

Tamil rebels.

For voters, the election comes as economic growth is slated to slow to 2.7 per cent this year, according to the IMF, and security has become a major issue following the Easter Sunday suicide attacks that killed more than 269 people.

(Excerpt fro Al Jazeera)

weden’s Minister for culture defended freedom of speech at a literary award ceremony for detained bookseller Gui Minhai in Stockholm on Friday, after Beijing’s Ambassador threatened to ban her from entering China if she attended the prize-giving.

Gui Minhai, a Chineseborn Swedish citizen, was abducted in Thailand in 2015 and is now detained in China.

When based in Hong Kong, he published books critical of China’s leaders, and the case has soured ties between Sweden and China.

Svenska PEN, a literary organisation awarded Gui Minhai the 2019 Tucholsky Prize, praising his work in the service of free speech. An empty chair symbolically represented the writer at the ceremony in Stockholm on Friday.

Giving a speech at the

event, Minister of Culture Amanda Lind said freedom of expression was a right in Sweden.

China’s ambassador to Stockholm had earlier threatened that Lind would be banned from entering China if she attended the ceremony.

In an interview with Swedish Radio earlier on Friday, the ambassador urged Svenska PEN to cancel the award.

Sweden’s Foreign Ministry said its view remained that China should release Gui Minhai and that it had contacted Chinese authorities over the ambassador’s statements.

In the transcript, China’s ambassador said Gui Minhai was being held on suspicion of revealing State secrets and intelligence on China, and denied allegations of torture.

The ambassador said Gui Minhai is not a persecuted

Swedish Culture and Democracy Minister Amanda Lind presents Svenska PEN’s Tucholsky Prize to detained Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai in Stockholm, Sweden November 15, 2019

author but a criminal who has “committed serious offences in both China and Sweden, and a lie-fabricator who viciously attacked the Chinese Government”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa post office murderer given life for killing Uyinene Mrwetyana US calls on Libya’s Haftar to halt Tripoli war, warns against Russia’s role S outh African post office worker Luyanda Botha has been handed three life sentences after admitting to the rape and murder of 19-year-old student Uyinene Mrwetyana.

Her killing in August sparked large protests over the high levels of violence against women in the country.

In South Africa, some 2700 women were murdered by men last year.

That is five times higher than the global average. In addition, at least 100 rapes were reported daily.

Shortly after her murder, reports emerged that Mrwetyana had been lured into the mailroom of a post office in Cape Town.

She was then raped

T

Uyinene Mrwetyana’s killing led to protests across South Africa

twice and bludgeoned to death, South African news site News24 reports.

Botha hid her body in the post office’s safe before taking it to another place and setting fire to it, News24 adds quoting the prosecution’s summary.

The first-year film and media studies student had been

missing for a week before her body was found dumped in Khayelitsha township.

The killing led to large protests, including an attempt to storm a conference centre in Cape Town where a meeting of the World Economic Forum was taking place. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he United States on Friday called on eastern Libyan Commander Khalifa Haftar to stop his offensive on the capital held by the internationally recognised Government and warned against Russian interference.

Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) has been trying since April to take Tripoli, part of a power struggle in the oil-producing nation since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

He is backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and most recently Russian mercenaries, according to diplomats and Tripoli offi-

cials. The LNA denies it has foreign backing.

It was the strongest US statement since Russian mercenaries were first sighted in Tripoli in September fighting alongside the LNA, which is allied to a parallel Government in eastern Libya.

President Donald Trump called Haftar in the first weeks of the offensive, which has failed to breach Tripoli’s defences, in a move that some diplomats took as sign Washington might be backing the former Gaddafi officer.

Trump “recognised Field Marshal Haftar’s significant role in fighting terror-

ism and securing Libya’s oil resources, and the two discussed a shared vision for Libya’s transition to a stable, democratic political system,” the White House said at the time.

A parallel central bank in eastern Libya received increased deliveries of new banknotes from Russia this year, Russian customs data showed last month.

While Russia has provided Haftar with support, it has simultaneously cultivated relations with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, november 16, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

Take part in something that inspires enthusiasm.

Plans to do something romantic with a loved one will be rewarding. A change of pace and place is encouraged.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

A look at your options will help you realise that you don’t need to act quickly. Take your time and sort out what’s in your best interest.

(March 21April 19)

dilbert

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

A physical challenge will make you feel good. Make an adjustment at home. Plan to celebrate with a loved one.

Socializing will help get you in the mood for romance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Do something with friends, youngsters or someone you don’t get to see often. Catching up, sharing ideas, having some family fun and making plans are favored.

LIBRA

Problems will arise if you are emotional or let someone infringe on your time or space. Pay attention to your needs. Prioritize both relaxation and quality time with loved ones.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

YESTERDAY’S

Don’t dismiss your ideas. If you jump in with both feet, you’ll discover you can accomplish something you thought was impossible. Anger will be a waste of time.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Focus on ways to stabilize your personal finances, improve your health, and wrap up any pending legal settlements.

Consistency will be in your best interest.

Live your truth. Stand tall, offer your opinion and prepare to do what you do best. It’s OK to be different.

A change at home will enhance your life.

Activities that get you up and moving are encouraged. Strive to improve your health through exercise, diet and wholesome living.

You can look and feel your best.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Don’t let the past discourage you from making another attempt to go after something you really want. Change begins with you and the choices you make. A unique approach will help you succeed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Not everything will be out in the open. You’ll have to dig deep to get the lowdown on something or someone who has the potential to make your life difficult.

SOLUTION FOr last published puzzle

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Being realistic about what you can and cannot do will be necessary. A heartto-heart talk with someone who has assisted you in the past will help you make a good decision.

saturday, november 16, 2019

19

round-up: Clippers fall

in George's debut

J

rue Holiday scored 36 points as the host New Orleans Pelicans spoiled Paul George’s Clippers debut with a 132127 victory over Los Angeles on Thursday night.

Holiday broke out of a shooting slump to outduel George, who returned from offseason surgery on both shoulders to score 33 points in 24 minutes.

Frank Jackson added 23 points, Derrick Favors had 20 points and 20 rebounds, JJ Redick scored 19 and E’Twaun Moore had 15 as the Pelicans won just their third game of the season.

Lou Williams scored 31, Rodney McGruder had 20 and Montrezl Harrell added 18 for L.A. Kawhi Leonard, the other marquee offseason acquisition that helped make the Clippers championship contenders, did not suit up after playing 41 minutes in a 102-93 loss at Houston the night before.

The Pelicans led 72-59 at halftime but the Clippers cut the deficit to four as George scored seven of his team’s first 11 points in the third quarter.

Heat 108, Cavaliers 97

Rookie Kendrick Nunn had 23 points and eight assists as Miami enjoyed a fast start and then held on to defeat host Cleveland.

Nunn shot 10 of 16 from the floor on Thursday, including hitting one of Miami’s three straight 3-pointers to open the game, after going 21 of 60 from the floor in his previous five games. The Heat have won six of their past eight games and are 8-3, their best 11game start since the Big Three era in 2013-14.

Miami’s Bam Adebayo collected 16 points and 15 rebounds, and rookie Tyler Herro scored 16 points in his return from a one-game absence caused by a sprained ankle. Kevin Love had 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Collin Sexton chipped in with 15 points for the Cavaliers.

Bucks 124, Bulls 115

Giannis Antetokounmpo matched his season high of 38 points and recorded 16 rebounds and three steals to lead Milwaukee past visit-

ing Chicago.

Eric Bledsoe scored a season-best 31 points on 12of-14 shooting for his fifth straight 20-point outing.

Bledsoe added eight assists as Milwaukee defeated Chicago for the seventh straight time.

Wesley Matthews tallied 15 points and Brook Lopez added 13 for the Bucks, who have won six of their past seven games. Milwaukee played its first game without All-Star forward Khris Middleton, who is expected to miss three to four weeks with a left thigh injury.

Nuggets 101, Nets 93

Nikola Jokic had 18 points and 10 rebounds, Paul Millsap also scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and host Denver beat Brooklyn.

Will Barton scored 17 points and Jerami Grant had 12 points off the bench for Denver, which overcame a sluggish first half to win for the fifth time in six games. The Nuggets have trailed at halftime in eight of their 11 games and are 6-2 in those games.

Jarrett Allen had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Kyrie Irving scored 17 and dished out nine assists, and Spencer Dinwiddie also scored 17 points for the Nets, who were held to a season-low in points.

Knicks 106, Mavericks 103

Marcus Morris Sr. drained the tie-breaking 3-pointer with 13.4 seconds left as host New York outlasted Kristaps Porzingis and Dallas in a wild win.

The Knicks won for just the third time in 12 games this season, but two of those wins have come at the expense of the Mavericks and Porzingis, who played his first three seasons for the Knicks.

The Mavericks have lost three of four. Porzingis collected a double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds) but was scoreless in the fourth quarter. Luka Doncic recorded his fifth triple-double of the season.

Suns 128, Hawks 112

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a season-high 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds,

Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (USA TODAY Sports)

and host Phoenix p u l l e d away from Atlanta.

Phoenix guard Devin Booker added 27 points and seven assists. Dario Saric had a season-high 23 points and pulled down six rebounds, and Frank Kaminsky tied a season high with 19 points and had six rebounds off the bench for the Suns, who made 15 3-pointers to extend their franchise-record streak to nine games with at least 11 threes.

Jabari Parker had 24 points and seven rebounds, and Trae Young contributed 21 points and 13 assists for Hawks, who played their first game without injured guard Kevin Huerter.

(Reuters)

Meten-Meer-Zorg Masters defeat Laluni Open team ꟷ to maintain unbeaten streak M

eten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) Masters cricket team brushed aside a Laluni Open team in a 25over cricket match played last Sunday at the Laluni Ground on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, defeating them by 8 wickets with 17.1 overs to spare.

The Masters came into the match well poised and ready for action as they aimed to maintain their dominant streak.

Hosts Laluni won the toss and chose to bat first, but were off to a bad start, losing 2 wickets in the 5th over with only 3 runs on the board, thanks to the pacey Sheldon Alexander, who sent them both packing before they could trouble the score.

Rocky Sarjoo and skipper Julian Mahabir then put together a 32-run partnership that saw Sarjoo top scoring with 28 and Mahabir making 18.

After that show of resistance, however, Laluni could not hold on for the rest of the innings, and were bundled out for 70 in 20.1 overs.

Bowling for the Masters, guest player Levroy Miggings blew away the hosts with 5 for 17, Avinash Shardanand took 3 for 17, and Alexander claimed 2

“Man of the match” Levroy Miggings

for 2 from 4 overs.

In reply, Masters reached the target for the loss of 2 wickets, with openers Troy Khan (10) and Alexander (12) putting on 16 for the first wicket.

Kevin Coleman, batting at number 3, scored an attractive 36 not-out, which included 4 sixes and a four, to take Masters over the proverbial line.

The Masters will be keen on their next fixture as they aim to end the 2019 cricket season

Winning captain Troy Khan receiving the trophy

undefeated.The winning trophy was sponsored by Demerara

Stationery Supply Demerara.

of

West

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Rahane moves from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals R

ajasthan Royals have traded Ajinkya Rahane to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2020. The move was confirmed by the IPL and both franchises on Thursday, the final day of the trading window. Rahane has become the second high-profile player to be acquired by the Capitals in the trading window after R Ashwin, and he’ll join a line-up that is already top-heavy, with the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer in the top order, with Rishabh Pant to follow.

Rahane is the Royals’ most capped player, having played 106 matches for them, with 100 coming in the IPL and six in the Champions League T20. He represented them since 2011, with the exception of the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the team was suspended, and he played for Rising Pune Supergiant. He is also the Royals’ leading run-scorer, with 3098 runs for them overall, at an average of 35.60 and a strike rate of 122.30. In the IPL, he scored 2810 runs for them at an average of 34.26 and a strike rate of 122.65.

He captained the Royals in 24 matches, winning nine and losing 15. Rahane had

faced some criticism for his strike rate at the top of the order in IPL 2018, when he tallied 370 runs at 28.46 but at a rate of only 118.21. He improved those numbers significantly in IPL 2019, with 393 runs at 32.75 and a strike rate of 137.89, including a 58ball century against the Capitals.

As part of the trade, the legspinning duo of Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia will move from the Capitals to the Royals.

That also makes Markande the first player to be traded twice between seasons - having gone to the Capitals from Mumbai Indians earlier.

Markande played only three matches in IPL 2019, losing out on the legspinner’s spot to Rahul Chahar in the Mumbai side, taking one wicket and conceding runs at 9.83 per over. He had made his IPL debut with Mumbai in 2018, bursting onto the scene as an unknown and taking 15 wickets that year.

Tewatia played five matches in IPL 2019, but bowled only 6.2 overs overall, picking up two wickets. This move will mark a return for Tewatia to the franchise he started his IPL career with, having been part of

the Royals in 2014 and 2015. He was also part of Kings XI Punjab in 2017, before the Capitals secured his services in 2018.

Their addition gives the Royals a surfeit of legspinners, with Shreyas Gopal already in the team.

The Royals had used one of their Right to Match cards t o Sherfane buy Rutherford

Rahane for INR 4 crore in the IPL 2018 auctions, following bidding between Kings XI and Mumbai, which Kings XI won. Tewatia had been bought by the

IPL 2020 trades: R Ashwin: Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals Ajinkya Rahane: Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals Sherfane Rutherford: Delhi Capitals to Mumbai Indians K Gowtham: Rajasthan Royals to Kings XI Punjab Trent Boult: Delhi Capitals to Mumbai Indians Dhawal Kulkarni: Rajasthan Royals to Mumbai Indians Ankit Rajpoot: Kings XI Punjab to Rajasthan Royals Rahul Tewatia: Delhi Capitals to Rajasthan Royals Mayank Markande: Mumbai Indians to Delhi Capitals to Rajasthan Royals Capitals, then Delhi Daredevils, for INR 3 crore, from a base price of INR 20 lakh.

Mumbai had bought Markande for his base price of INR 20 lakh. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Financial Fair Play: Man City lose appeal to Cas over Uefa investigation M

anchester City have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the last two seasons Manchester City have failed in an initial bid to have the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) halt Uefa’s investigation into a possible breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

City have been referred to Uefa’s financial watchdog, the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) and if found guilty could face a Champions League ban.

Cas said City’s appeal was “inadmissible” at this stage because the CFCB has not yet determined what, if any, punishment would be applied if they

were found guilty.

The club, who deny wrongdoing, had argued that Uefa did not have the authority to bring an FFP case against them.

Uefa launched an investigation after German newspaper Der Spiegel published leaked documents alleging City had inflated the value of a multimillion-pound sponsorship deal, misleading European football’s governing body.

Reports alleged City deliberately misled Uefa so they could meet FFP rules requiring clubs to break even.

The Premier League champions, FA Cup and League Cup winners were fined £49m in 2014 for a previous breach of regulations. (BBC Sport) Manchester City have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in the last two seasons (Getty Images)

President Forde nominated to Organising Committee for CONCACAF Competitions

F

ollowing the recent show of confidence by the membership of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in giving President Wayne Forde a new mandate to lead Guyana’s football for another four-year term, CONCACAF has demonstrated similar confidence in Guyana’s Football by nominating Forde to become a Member of the Organising Committee for CONCACAF Competitions.

CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Maggio wrote President Forde on November 12th to confirm his nomination; and Forde, who previously served on the CONCACAF Governance Committee from November 2016, expressed delight at being able to continue to serve the sport at the highest level in the Confederation.

He said his usual high level of service would continue

as he and colleagues work collectively to bring out the best in all 41 Member Associations of CONCACAF. “I welcome every opportunity to serve Football, and will bring the same energy and commitment I brought to the CONCACAF Governance Committee.

During my tenure on the Governance Committee, we successfully piloted many important policies, which continue to inform the work of the Confederation.

“As it relates to my goal for the Competitions Committee, I would like to offer a Caribbean perspective of the impact and challenges the welcomed increase in international competitions has had on the countries within our Region”, Forde has said.

GFF President, Wayne Forde

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Albion Ground. The home team would include West Indies leg spinner Devendra Bishoo, Kelvin Umroa, Adrian Sukhwa, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Anthonio February, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Beesham Surujnarine and Ritesh Umroa.

Currently in rebuilding mode, Port Mourant would feature names like Demetri Cameron, Arif Chan, Kellon Carmichael, Rampertab Ramnauth, Salim Khan and Madhan Budram.

Blairmont and West Berbice would clash at the Blairmont Ground, with the teams being evenly matched on paper. A youthful Blairmont team would include Seon Glasgow, Marvon Prashad, Javed Karim, Waqar Hassan, Nigel Deodat and the experienced Shabeer Baksh.

West Indies ‘A’ player Keon Joseph, Adrian Dutchin, Shamar Angel, Joshua Van Tull, Christopher Bissoon and Keyron Fraser would be among those representing West Berbice.

The ‘finals’ match in the first round would feature Young Warriors (YWCC) versus Tucber

Park at the Cumberland Ground, and it promises to be a thriller.

YWCC would be guided by Ishwar Singh, Alex Algoo, Trevon Stanislaus, Seon Hetmyer, Suresh Dhanai, Devendra Ramoutar and Ricardo Ramdehol.

A confident Tucber Park CC, which has so far reached the finals of the Stag Beer 50-Over tournament, would include Garfield Benjamin, Martin Singh, Leon Swammy, Gevon Shultz, Zeynul Ramsammy and Anthony D’Andrade, among others.

All matches start at 10am and conclude at 5pm, and a minimum of 90 overs must be bowled. For the first time in Berbice, bonus points would be awarded for outstanding performances in both bowling and batting. In an effort to promote the importance of developing fast bowlers, 0.2 point would be awarded for

every wicket taken by a fast bowler.

The top two teams in each zone would advance to the semifinals.

RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Albion, Port Mourant, and RH Canje are in Zone ‘B’; while Zone ‘A’ consists of Blairmont, Young Warriors, Tucber Park and West Berbice.

Kevlon Anderson

10th Guyana Beverage Nikerie Premier League…

Rising Stars focused on Inc 50-mile race pedals off Sunday bringing home trophy

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fter an absence of more than 15 years, two-day first division cricket will return to Berbice with the start of the Banks Beer/Berbice Cricket Board tournament.

Eight teams would be participating in this tournament, vying for a combined overall prize package of $400,000 and trophies. These eight teams are: West Berbice, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Young Warriors, Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, and Rose Hall Canje.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground, Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour would be spearheaded

by Shawn Pereira, Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Delbert Hicks, Jonathan Rampersaud and Keith Simpson in a match against Rose Hall Canje.

The visitors would depend heavily on Ameer Rahaman, Michael Campbelle, Isiah Thorne, Sasenarine Sukhu, Lloyd David and Joel Seitram.

Arch-rivals Albion and Port Mourant would battle at the

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Cycling Coach and Organiser Randolph Roberts receiving the sponsorship cheque from Albert Boodhoo

C

ycling action will continue in East Berbice on Sunday, November 17, with the 10th annual Guyana Beverage Inc. 50Mile Cycle Race pedalling off.

This event will feature the likes of Curtis Dey, Jamual John, Briton John, Michael Anthony, Andre “Padlock” Green, Andrew Hicks, and Balram Narine among others. In fact, all the country’s top cyclists will assemble for this 50-mile race, which begins in front of the premises of the Guyana Beverages Inc at Palmyra from 10:00h, and will head to the Nand Persaud Rice Milling Complex at Number 36 Village, Corentyne before returning to the starting point at Palmyra for the finish of the race.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan will be present at the start of the race, and eight sprint prizes will

be up for grabs, including cash prizes.

Event Organizer Randolph Roberts, who spoke with this publication earlier this week, has said the first 10 finishers in the Open category, as well as the first three veterans, will be awarded.

With the National Schools Cycling Championships slated for Sunday, the Juveniles and Junior cyclists will be absent from this race, but the 12-14 category of riders will engage in a race from Palmyra to Benjamin Sports Bar at Number One Road, Corentyne Berbice.

Representatives of the Guyana Beverage Inc. will be present at the end of the race to hand out awards.

Last year’s champion of the event is National cyclist and Team Evolution’s Paul De Nobrega, who recently concluded his stint in Cuba.

(Brandon Corlette)

The Rising Stars side

T

he highly anticipated Nikerie Premier League, featuring top cricket teams out of Guyana and Suriname, will highlight 2019 as the Guyana-versus-Suriname feud continues.

The competition features a total of seven teams commencing a battle on November 30 and wrapping things up on December 1.

Rising Stars CC, New Windsor CC, Dark Boyz Superstars, Christ Ambassadors, Amar Shakti CC, Ghandi CC and Rabindranath CC are the teams involved in this event.

One of the teams to watch for is Rising Stars, captained by Elroy Fernandes. This squad has had a fairytale run for the 2019 cricket season. The squad has played some of the top teams in Guyana and Suriname, and has made its presence felt.

The squad recently competed in the 2nd annual Cyril Bonar T20 Tournament in Suriname and emerged as runners-up. That result was a positive one for Fernandes, since it was the first time that Rising Stars had competed in such a tournament.

Switching his view to the Premiere League, Fernandes said, “We were invited because of the position we gained in the recently concluded tournament. We are in it to win it! We are looking forward to good quality cricket, and know that our boys will bring home the trophy. Our squad has been selected, and we are confident in it. We will not allow the mistakes we made in the past to stop us, as we are now more focused than ever.

We have made up our minds that we will take the trophy.”

The Rising Stars squad consists of: Elroy Fernandes (C), Marvin Cheong (VC), Yogendra Singh, Travis Cato, Shaquille Brisport, Nikosi Major, Shane Persaud, Tony Smith, Bepaul Bandoo, Premchand Sookdeo, Chris Naipaul, Darren France, Chris Louis, Romel Zamal and Anand Bharat.

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Last chance for Afghanistan as West Indies look to wrap up series A

fter a 3-0 drubbing in the ODI series, Afghanistan had many things going in their favour in the first T20I. First of all, it was the format they prefer the most. Secondly, their captain Rashid Khan won an important toss and made the right decision to bowl. Then their bowlers restricted West Indies to a chaseable total of 164.

During the seventh over of the chase, Fabian Allen hobbled off the field due to what looked like a knee injury, leaving West Indies a bowler short. There was a decent amount of dew as well to make things difficult for West Indies.

Despite all this, the result didn't go in Afghanistan's favour. The West Indies seamers showed great skill with the wet ball, bowling crossseam and using all sorts of slower balls to make the run-scoring difficult. The fact that Afghanistan didn't have a great start didn't help their cause either. With the series on the line, they need to regroup quickly.

Under Kieron Pollard, West Indies look a more determined outfit, ready to fight out for victories.

Despite losing Allen and Sheldon Cottrell bowling just two overs, they still managed to bowl 20 overs.

That speaks of the depth they have in the bowling department.

Apart from Evin Lewis and Pollard, their batsmen struggled to score freely, but it may not be a concern for now as they look to wrap up

surprise if they go with an unchanged XI. In case Allen fails to recover in time for the second T20I, West Indies could replace him with another leftarm spinner Khary Pierre.

Pitch and conditions

All three T20Is are to be played on the same dark-soil surface. With dew expected later in the evening, making the ball come on to the bat better and causing probEvin Lewis and Mohammad Nabi having a chat

another series win.

In the spotlight

Rashid Khan might not have had a great year in ODIs, having taken 15 wickets at 50.60, but he is still not easy to get away in the shortest format. After going for 15 off his first over in the opening game of the series, he bounced back to concede only 19 from his next three while dismissing a set Shimron Hetmyer.

Afghanistan, though, would want their captain to pick up more wickets.

Shimron Hetmyer's struggles with the bat con-

tinued. He might have the six-hitting ability but the left-hand batsman needs to work on his strike-rotation skill. During the first T20I, he was stuck on 8 off 13 balls at one stage before perishing for a run-a-ball 21. If he fails to adapt quickly, he might find it difficult to get into the XI when Nicholas Pooran returns from his ban.

There wasn't much wrong with the Afghanistan selection for the first match.

What they need is better execution. Although there is a case for replacing Hazratullah Zazai with Javed Ahmadi, it won't be a

lems to bowlers, it should be an obvious choice to bowl first. The temperature in Lucknow is supposed to be hovering around the 22-degree Celsius mark.

West Indies XI (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Shimron Hetmyer, 4 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 5 Kieron Pollard (capt), 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Jason Holder, 8 Fabian Allen/Khary Pierre, 9 Kesrick Williams, 10 Hayden Walsh Jr, 11 Sheldon Cottrell Afghanistan XI (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Ibrahim Zadran, 4 Asghar Afghan, 5 Najibullah Zadran, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Gulbadin Naib, 8 Rashid Khan (capt), 9 Fareed Malik, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Mujeeb Ur Rahman (ESPN Cricinfo)

Hand-in-Hand backs

Golden Jaguars on

Nations League campaign

Hand-in-Hand Marketing Officer Shafeena Juman handing over the cheque to Kevin Layne in the presence of Matthew Briggs

I

nsurance giants Handin-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Ltd. has thrown its support behind the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Golden Jaguars prior to Friday’s CONCACAF Nations League match against Aruba.

On Thursday, when that company’s Marketing Officer Shafeena Juman handed over a cheque to Golden Jaguars’ member Kevin Layne in the presence of his teammate Matthew Briggs, Juman expressed her company’s delight at being able to tangibly support the Golden Jaguars and the GFF in their quest to bring more glory to Guyana’s football.

She said that Hand-in Hand has a

rich history of supporting Guyana’s sportsmen and women, and this latest contribution is testimony to the company’s ongoing commitment in this regard.

And further, she extended her company’s best wishes to the Jags for another successful result against Aruba at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

In return, on behalf of his colleagues and the GFF, Layne thanked Hand-in-Hand and Juman for their support, noting that it would certainly boost the team not only for the Aruba encounter, but also their final match against Jamaica on Monday in the land of Reggae.

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saturday, november 16, 2019

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Interim WBA Super Flyweight title fight in Australia…

Andrew Moloney survives literal war with Elton Dharry A

ndrew Moloney won the Interim WBA Super Flyweight title yesterday in Melbourne, Australia, but beating Elton Dharry proved a tougher challenge than pretty much anyone had anticipated.

The gutsy Dharry (24-6-1,14 KO) had Moloney (21-0,14 KO) in serious trouble in the fifth round when he landed a beautiful right uppercut counter that stunned the 28-year-old Aussie contender. In fact, Moloney’s right knee hit the canvas and it should have been scored a knockdown, but it happened so quickly that it’s legitimately likely that Referee Ferlin Marsh just didn’t see the knee touch down.

For the latter part of the fifth round, Moloney was reeling as Dharry, 33, looked to close the show and score a serious upset. But Moloney, whose legs were pretty well gone, managed to hold and hang on through the round.

“You tried to knock him out!” trainer Angelo Hyder barked at Moloney in the corner between rounds. “You didn’t listen to me! You disrespected him!”

Moloney refocused and bounced back with a nice sixth round, which really turned the tide in his favour. In that sixth round, Dharry’s right eye began to close shut due largely to the effective

Andrew Moloney landing a punch to Elton Darry's face

jab of Moloney. By the end of the sixth, Dharry clearly couldn’t see much of anything through that eye, but the officials appreciated his effort and gave him the chance to hang in there and fight back.

And fight back he did! Boxing through one eye basically, Dharry kept landing shots, but Moloney was able to really beat up on him in

“Sanctioned cricket must follow structured procedures” – GCB

A

ccording to a release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the GCB has noticed with much dissatisfaction the recent and seemingly negative attention being placed on sanctioned cricket within Guyana. As a result, the GCB would like to reiterate that Cricket West Indies (CWI) is the regulatory body for cricket in the West Indian region, and that this body has clearly outlined the procedures and policies required for the organization’s arrangement, promotion and conduct of cricket matches, tournaments and events.

As a consequence, all matches or cricket events held in the West Indies require approval of the CWI, unless they are already pre-approved o r specially

approved.

Further, it must be acknowledged that the territorial boards are responsible for all domestic cricket played in their jurisdiction; subject to their approval, implementation, promotion and agreed levels of supervision that dovetails with CWI’s mandate.

In this very regard, the GCB

mandates its affiliate boards: Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice, to organize, manage and promote cricket in their jurisdiction. As a result, any planned cricket competition or cricket event to be held in any of the three counties must be channelled through those mandated by the GCB to control cricket within these counties.

Among other factors, this procedure allows for the authentic and reliable audit of county board accounts, and ensures the adoption of necessary safeguards to the structure of cricket established by the GCB, which are in keeping with its strategic objectives and goals. Such safeguards assist with the monitoring and controlling of the roles, responsibilities and function of the GCB, and can be likened to such implemented

for all structured clubs to meet policy guidelines, which include the mandate for the annual audit of their accounts.

Therefore, all county boards, and structured clubs must adopt the necessary procedures required to make them compliant with the GCB, and by extension CWI. It must be acknowledged that the Guyana Cricket Board is the governing authority for cricket in Guyana, and is duly directly responsible for all cricket matches arranged and played in Guyana; and therefore, to determine whether or not a particular match or cricket event in Guyana should receive its approval to take place.

As a consequence, the GCB would like to articulate the need for counties, clubs, groups and organizations to be respectful to the GCB’s mandate, and to

international procedural safeguards as the Window period and considerations to the number of T/20 Tournaments that a player may play within a given period.

In addition, there is a reason why not all teams are considered clubs; and as such, those teams are not a part of the organizational structure of the GCB. Within the requirements to become a structured club is the need

follow established procedures and policies when considering the planning, arranging, and conduct of matches within the respective counties and/or any part of Guyana.

This is necessary, since it is prohibited for any club or individual to receive funds on behalf of county boards and not account for same through the audited accounts of that county board.

the eighth round; and at the start of the ninth, when the doctor took another look, the fight was reasonably stopped, awarding Moloney a TKO victory at 0:01 of round nine.

“This is unbelievable!” Moloney said of

winning a claim to the world title. “This has been so many years of hard work and sacrifices for this moment. I can’t believe it! It’s finally happened. It still hasn’t sunk in yet, I still think I’m dreaming, because I’ve dreamt it so many times.”

Moloney added: “I’m my toughest critic, and I’m not really that happy with the fight, but I’m world champion.”

Of Dharry, he said, “He’s a tough, tough man. World titles don’t come easy, and I was expecting a tough fight, and that’s what he gave me. Thank you, Elton.”

Moloney also addressed the WBA world titleholder Kal Yafai: “Bring on Yafai! I’ve been chasing him for a long time now. Let’s make it happen!”

Moloney could well land a fight with Yafai or one of the other top fighters at 115 pounds.

We’ll see.

As for Elton Dharry, this is a guy who came basically out of nowhere to get this fight. He’d been unbeaten for 10 years, but he also hadn’t fought anyone of real consequence during that time. But the 33-year-old, originally from Guyana and now based in Brooklyn, acquitted himself extremely well in this fight, and he should get more calls. He put in a tremendous effort in what turned out to be a war of a fight, raising his profile significantly in defeat.

saturday, november 16, 2019

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

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Last chance for Afghanistan as West Indies look to wrap up series 10th Guyana Beverage BCB-Banks DIH Inc 50-mile race 2-day 1st division pedals off Sunday tournament bowls off today Page 21

Page 21 Top trio! Jamual John, Briton John and Michael Anthony during a race in Berbice (Brandon Corlette photo)

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