Guyana Times, Thursday November 7, 2019.

Guyanese diaspora in

Florida discusses local P11 developments

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

Issue No. 4100

THE BEACON OF TRUTH thursday, november 7, 2019

ExxonMobil to take first million barrels of oil

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$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner crushed to death by tree P14

Page 3

…Guyana to get first crude lift in February/March 2020 …crude lift, cost oil audit agreements to be signed soon Page 9

Substandard food items imported refused entry into Guyana – GA-FDD

Pirates nabbed in Suriname handed over to Guyanese authorities P13

“I want blood to drink!” – attacker tells P10 guard …calls for Police help go unanswered

Page 10

Dr Carl “I will choose winning Max Hanoman PM candidate” – Granger …Ramjattan candidacy in limbo dies

Page 7

Penalties for oil companies normally

left out of Local Content Policy – Bynoe Page 7

Young Mahaica resident admitted to practise law in P14 Guyana

India doubles ITEC training slots for Guyanese

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2 NEWS

thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG to address “racially insensitive India doubles ITEC training slots for Guyanese video” – Students’ Society

T

he Government of India has announced an immediate increase in the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training slots allocated to Guyana.

On Wednesday, the Indian High Commission informed that this number has doubled from the current 24 to 50 with immediate effect. This Indian High Commissioner to step was taken as a gesture Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa of goodwill as the two countries continue their longstand- nance and accounting; auditing partnership, now 55 years ing; banking; education; planstrong, in ITEC. Adding to ning and administration and that, India is bolstering the parliamentary affairs; crime human resource capacity as records; textiles and rural dethe country moves to produce velopment; renewable energy; tool design and small enterfirst oil.

“The consistent efforts of prises and entrepreneurship the High Commission of India development.

Just last month, Indian has now resulted in the trainHigh Commissioner to ing slots for Guyana getting Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa had increased to more than double the existing number to help announced plans to increase the country create a large pool the number of scholarships ofof skilled and technically qual- fered to the Guyanese populaified manpower in various sec- tion. According to the diplotors for its emerging fast eco- mat, these scholarships would nomic growth as a result of oil be provided with the hope that and gas discovery and expec- more Guyanese grasp the optation of first oil in December portunities to benefit from quality education from India.

2019,” the statement read.

“We have something The Indian Government called the ITEC … wherein continues to assist 160 counwe give scholarships, shorttries around the world through term scholarships fully paid capacity building in its ITEC for young students and graduprogramme. The courses offered under ITEC provides ates in this country in various a wide and diverse range of fields in IT, geology, in minskills in agriculture; irriga- ing, in agriculture, you name tion; information technology it, there are various courses,” and telecommunications; fi- he explained.

He noted that education was a vital part of propelling any nation forward and it was with this in mind that his country was positioning itself to assist more Guyanese students with securing this much-needed form of development.

“We are ready to extend that cooperation and we are trying to increase the slots for Guyana. Secondly, we are also going to work on the culture front wherein we can give people to go to India and learn the rich heritage and culture …. we have to work to build the skills and education for the youth of this country. As you know, India is progressing tremendously and it is growing at a rate of seven per cent annually at the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level; this is all thanks to the impetus that the forefathers of Indian nation gave to education,” he was quoted as saying.

Dr Srinivasa added that this was just the beginning of a series of opportunities that India would be providing to countries such as Guyana, as his country aimed to offer assistance in various areas for countries that are in need of it.

Persons are urged to utilise the opportunity to participate in the ITEC programme before the end of March 2020.

The details, criteria and requirements can be found on the ITEC Portal at www.itecgoi.in.

T

he sharing and reposting of a racially profiled video by a University of Guyana (UG) student has become the latest item of public condemnation and scrutiny, with calls mounting for an investigation or other pertinent action.

The video was released to the public via social media on Tuesday, promoting racism.

The individual was later identified as a computer science student, who was clearly seen in the video along with another female colleague, making “racially-driven” statements aimed at a section of the University population.

It caught the attention of many persons, including activists, and was shared hundreds of times – each attached with a message condemning these actions. Students of the said institution also disagreed with these actions and moreover, pointed at the fact that it painted a negative image of UG. In light of the outrage, the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) rejected the content of the video, stating that it was brought to the institution’s attention and would be dealt with by the relevant committee.

“A racially insensitive video attributed to a student of the University of Guyana has been brought to our attention. It is regrettable that a student at this institution of higher learning would en-

The University of Guyana

gage in actions and make callous race-related statements which play into stereotypes that plague our society. The University of Guyana Students’ Society strongly condemns such reckless actions and urges all students to desist from similar behaviour.

Rest assured that the matter will be addressed by the relevant University committee,” the student body stated.

Meanwhile, UGSS President Jafar Gibbons also posted, “Racism in Guyana is not a secret topic and many of us are guilty of making derogatory remarks to another race, directly, indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally.

Our very institutional socialisation which includes our education, religion, family and political parties have been using this very topic to divide us for a number of years. Oh, how I wish our activism would halt such a practice.”

Many persons have called

for the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to intervene at the earliest.

Guyana Times contacted the Commission, but officials were not present to address the issue, since they were in the middle of what this newspaper was told is a “courtesy call”. ERC Chairman, Reverend John Smith was also unreachable.

The ERC’s four broad functions are “investigative, conflict resolution, education and public awareness, and research and development strategies”. Among its functions as outlined in Article 212d of the Constitution are to provide for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons and to promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace.

news

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tHursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Thursday, November 7 – 13:00h – 15:30h and Friday, November 8 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, November 7 – 13:25h – 14:55h and Friday, November 8 – 14:00h – 15:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Cloudy conditions with showers in the late morning and early afternoon periods. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 24:41h and 13:18h reaching maximum heights of 2.14 metres and 2.21 metres.

Low Tide: 06:44h and 19:13h reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metres and 1.01 metres.

wednesday, november 6, 2019

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

ExxonMobil to take first million barrels of oil …Guyana to get first crude lift in February/March 2020 …crude lift, cost oil audit agreements to be signed soon

W

ith oil production expected to begin later this month, ExxonMobil will be getting the first shipment of oil, while Guyana will have to wait until sometime next year. This announcement was made by the Department of Energy.

Making these announcements was Department of Energy Director, Dr Mark Bynoe, during a press conference on Wednesday. In justifying this, Bynoe explained that the first lift of crude, which is expected to be one million barrels of oil, is likely to contain the most impurities. As such, he said, it was better for ExxonMobil to collect and refine it using their own facilities.

“ExxonMobil is not just a lifter and operator but they also have refineries…

So it makes sense for them to take the first lift and process it so the integrity or quality can be preserved going forward. Our first lift is not anticipated until late February or March going forward,” he said.

According to Bynoe, his department is also gearing up to sign two agreements which will directly impact how much money Guyana really gets from the oil sector. One is an agreement to have a firm audit Exxon’s cost oil claims, which is known to be around US$460 million.

In addition, the Director said they are seeking legal expertise for auditing the cost oil, which is hundreds of millions of US dollars that the oil companies have to get back when oil productions start.

“The contract for the firm to complete cost recovery audit for the historical cost is expected to be signed by the ending of this week. The Department of Energy and the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) will be work-

Exxon’s FPSO, the Liza Destiny

ing along with the Guyana Revenue Authority on this project”.

“Additionally, the Department of Energy is in the process of securing legal expertise to assist in the auditing process,” Bynoe further explained.

Crude-lift agreement

When it comes to the system governing the crude lifting— simply meaning the oil is loaded onto the vessel for transport— Bynoe provided some key information. For one, the crude-lifting agreement is near completion. He also laid down timelines for first oil and lifting of the crude.

“The Department has signed a contract with a crude marketing specialist and a commercial special-

ist, who will be assisting the Department’s preparations for first oil. The Department is working to conclude a similar contract with a petroleum accounting specialist and a contract administrating specialist”.

“The crude-lifting agreement (CLA) is being finalised and has advanced significantly. The CLA is expected to be completed in the

new week and Government will be a signatory as a lifter of crude, along with the Stabroek co-venturers”.

According to Bynoe, their agreement will be based on the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators crude-lifting agreement. He explained that it will be customised to reflect the reality of Guyana’s sector. turn to page 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, november 7, 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

Harbour Bridge traffic woes

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uesday evening, logs, which at the time were being transported on a truck across the Demerara Harbour Bridge, fell off and disrupted traffic in the process. Not only was commuting across the Bridge affected for a period of time but also north and south-bound traffic along the East Bank Public Road. During that period, the traffic was either at a standstill or crawled as the build-up extended to the City of Georgetown and along thoroughfares in West Demerara.

It was another instance where thousands of commuters were grossly inconvenienced, especially at a time when workers and children are trying to get home. More than likely, the elderly, even some with illnesses, would have also been trapped, as well as those trying to reach the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for a scheduled flight. It’s very possible that the movement of ambulances and security vehicles may have also been hampered.

Only in September this year, a barge slammed into the Bridge, causing it to be closed for a few days; one of those being the first of the new school year. Chaos ensued at the Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop Ferry Stellings as commuters flocked to access the services of speed boats to cross the Demerara River. In those circumstances, it becomes extremely challenging for commuters who must traverse from the East to the West Bank on a daily basis.

While some situations are not within the control of the Harbour Bridge management team, some are. In this latest incident, a seemingly small truck, fully laden with logs that protruded the back, crossing at what is considered rush-hour, should have immediately raised alarms with those with the responsibility to approve such crossing.

It was reported that the weight of the laden truck did not exceed the necessary limit and was therefore allowed to cross. While that may be so, it seems only one factor. Surely, from the appearance of the logs protruding, and knowing that the Bridge has an incline which, for that vehicle, could be seen as relatively steep, should have raised concerns of potential risks. In addition, the rush-hour commute should have also been taken into consideration.

It stands to question the related protocols the Bridge staff follow in such situations. Surely, there must be other factors aside from the weight limit. Sometime in the past, the Bridge might have not allowed certain types of vehicles to cross at particular times on the day. Reportedly, that’s regardless of whether the weight limit was not exceeded. If that was or is protocol, then the question of it not being adhered to last Tuesday is a cause for concern.

Those logs could have come tumbling down and collided with vehicles behind it with potential for serious injuries. That incident could have therefore impacted safety, which must be the foremost consideration at all times. It would be useful if the management of the Bridge would inform on the protocols alluded in the interest of safety and public knowledge.

The inevitable result of traffic being hindered on the Bridge is traffic chaos and an inconvenience through extended travel time. With regard to the traffic on the affected roadways in those circumstances, some inconsiderate drivers use all areas possible, including parapets, to jostle their way forward.

In the end, added congestion is unnecessarily created, which increases travel time and risks for accidents while endangering pedestrians. This has gotten worse over time and, very often, escapes Police radar.

In fairness to the Police, last Tuesday, at least at points along the East Bank roadway leading to the entrance to the Bridge, they were present and did their utmost to manage the flow of traffic. What is desperately needed in addition to that, are ranks roving on motorcycles to try and reduce, as far as possible, the added congestion created by those drivers who make walkways and parapets the roadway.

Such actions should not only be implemented when the Bridge encounters problems but whenever there is a traffic build-up for any reason. The related motorcycle patrols, as suggested, should be considered as part of the Police’s traffic control protocol to deal with such situations, especially when the Bridge becomes inoperable.

If it were to be implemented, sustained and necessary actions were taken against errant drivers, it will go a far way to bring some level of relief in the circumstances. Very often, there is literally no room for vehicles to move for long periods.

What appears to be forgotten in those situations, is the need for emergency services, including fire, to be able to have access since, in some cases, life could be threatened. That makes it even more imperative for the use of the motorcycle patrols to ensure passage.

While the Police are out in numbers when dealing with the challenges an inoperable Harbour Bridge pose, there may be enough, through past incidents, to necessitate a review of its holistic approach in an effort to be more efficient. That must also include recalibrating traffic lights to better suit routine rush and priority traffic. It could lead to a reduction in the number of ranks needed for traffic duty, ranks who could be made available to bolster other critical areas.

This handout picture released by Saype and Valentin Flauraud shows a giant biodegradable land art painting by French-Swiss artist Saype representing two hands clasped together in the Treptower Park in Berlin, part of his “Beyond Walls” project (AFP)

We need the Americans to intervene

Dear Editor, PNC rigged elections from 1968 to 1985. These were hard times, as Guyana was held captive for 28 brutal years. In 1985, Hoyte gave himself 78.5% of the votes and stayed in office for 7 years. Then, the Elections Commission was manned mainly by PNC supporters and its Chairman, Sir Harold Bollers, was a poodle of the PNC. Rigging was a collaborative effort between the Government, Elections Commission, Chairman Bollers, Police and the GDF. The State media and the Courts also did their bit to silence dissent.

The Police or GDF would typically seize and destroy valid ballots and replace them with fakes, which were prepared in advance.

Opposition supporters who protested were often beaten and killed. I had a neighbour, a long-standing PNC stalwart who likewise collaborated with his wife and several children to pre-cast thousands of votes the night before elections and deliver them, in another collabora-

tion, to a more senior PNC stalwart who brokered the fake ballot preparation. The neighbour’s children spoke and even boasted about this.

I also vividly recall my mother, a young woman back then, theorising, in a frustrated state, that only PPP ballots would be destroyed and if she voted for Paul Tennessee (DLM) maybe it would be counted. My father had a good laugh because he felt that all valid votes were being dumped and replaced by fakes. The fact that Hoyte gave himself 78.5% and ballot boxes found floating in rivers support his view. But coming back to my parents, the discussion inevitably ended with them wishfully thinking about friends who had migrated to the USA/Canada and how lucky they were to have escaped Guyana which by then had been completely bankrupted by the PNC. Rigging has left deep psychological scars on this nation and the desire to migrate can be traced to economic hardship caused by PNC and its repetitive rig-

ging of elections.

So what changed to cause free and fair elections in 1992? Firstly, after the cold war ended, the US adopted a different attitude towards Guyana. Secondly, recognising the importance, they brokered the Carter formula to secure the appointment of an independent Chairman of GECOM. Thirdly, the Americans, being aware of the administrative bias within the Elections Commission (Secretariat) and its proclivity for the unethical, paved the way for foreign observer missions with Carter Center in the lead to prevent any skulduggery.

Roll forward to 2019.

PNC, under the guise of APNU, is in Government, GECOM is stacked to the hilt with PNC supporters and the new Chairman’s actions thus far only favours the Government. She is even planning to break the law and violate her own earlier ruling on the same matter to delete some 25,000 names, which is exactly what the Government wants. The Police and army have al-

ways been predominantly PNC/APNU supporters and recent Court judgements suggest that there is scant regard for the Constitution and rule of law. The last judgement by the Chief Justice is so far outside the realms of reality that one cannot trust the justice system. The Govt and State media are also in full propaganda mode. So here, again, are all the pieces in place for the rigging of an election.

Will the Americans again come to the rescue?

Well, they should, because they have helped to install our first dictator, Burnham and his PNC, then turned a blind eye for the next 28 years while Guyana imploded. Now, there is oil and Exxon, an American giant— the largest extractor; Guyana’s future is tied to the US. No one will, therefore, think it is a mere coincidence if elections are rigged at this crucial juncture to return the PNC to office.

Dear Editor, Information has reached the GAWU, from a usually reliable source, that there are plans afoot to sell or lease, ostensibly to private individuals, the now-abandoned sugar cane lands along the East Coast of Demerara. The Sugar Commission of Inquiry Report advised that there were some 8500 hectares of land being cultivated in 2014. Of course, we want to believe a move in this direction cannot be done without involvement from the highest levels of the State.

This information coming to hand appears to be accurate as we saw a recent GuySuCo report advising that plans are being furthered to dismantle the Enmore Packaging Plant for erection at another estate. Certainly, if the Government’s commitment to divest the estate was being upheld, we see no logical reason to remove an important aspect of the estate which only adds to its value and potentiality. It seems, as clear as day, that all intentions to re-operationalise the East Demerara

Estate are being abandoned and the hopes of the hardpressed ex-workers of being re-engaged are now being dashed.

Of course, this latest titbit of shocking information comes on the heels of disclosure that at Wales, all the former sugar lands have been leased. Just a few days ago, a newly-established company disclosed that it had leased some 700 acres of land to pursue coconut cultivation, eventually employing a workforce of 45 persons. On this matter, we have seen concerns being ex-

pressed about this deal, especially given the newness of the company. Previously, our Union did share that, as far as we know, workers have not been given, at least, the opportunity to secure former estate lands to possibly engage in agricultural pursuits.

If the information we have received is accurate, it is yet another departure from previous commitments by the now caretaker government. Previously, President David Granger had assured that the sale

Sincerely, Ravi Ram

Plans afoot to sell East Coast sugar lands

continued on page 5

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thursday, november 7, 2019

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

Does David Granger have full control of his mental faculties?

Dear Editor, Caretaker President Granger said that there “may” be no bonus payments to public servants in 2019, but he will await Winston Jordan’s brief of Cabinet before making a definitive statement, quoting the Administration’s ‘interim mode’ as an excuse for not being able to pay out year-end bonuses. Granger paid no bonus in 2017 or 2018 when he had full legal status; he removed the bonus for the Joint Services, which Jordan described as a “bribe”. I must ask if David Granger has full control of his mental faculties.

The 2019 Budget made no provision for year-end bonuses for public servants; it also made no provision for the

“Taking Government to the People”, the thinly-disguised APNU/AFC campaign events that have utilised billions of dollars slated for development projects. Coffers of all of the Government agencies have been emptied, many will struggle to pay staff over the coming months, muchless bonuses.

Granger also said, “Unfortunately, because of urgent matters such as a flood or fire, we may need funds and only Parliament could authorise the disbursement of funds which have not been provided for, even though we are in the eleventh month of the year”. Recently, $800 million was drawn directly from the Contingency Fund for Emergency Sea Defence Works; surely Granger was

aware of this? If he is allowing David Patterson free rein in the treasury, heaven help us all; point is, in instances of an extraordinary expenditure arising out of any unanticipated situation, such as an act of God, force majeure or any other, he can make a direct charge to the Contingency Fund. The Government overdraft has gone past the publicised $69 billion reported at the end of the third quarter by the Bank of Guyana.

Guyana is in an economic crisis caused by negligence, gross mismanagement, and Granger’s hubris.

The legal question of if Granger’s caretaker administration can utilise the 1/12th provision for interim financing is a complex one. The 1/12th provision supposes

that an administration may utilise a maximum of onetwelfth of the amount in the previous budget during any period of delay before THAT (the same) administration presents its next Budget.

Since there is no guarantee that Granger will head the Administration of our next government, how then can he utilise funds? Granger may indeed remain President until the next President is sworn in, but with whose money?

No media house has tackled David Granger’s health issues head-on; in Granger’s own words, “SUPPRESSIO VERI EXPRESSIO FALSI”, which means if you suppress the truth, you are suggesting the false. Not covering a major national event is depriving the people of Guyana the

right to know. Seconds before he made this erudite statement, Granger made a terrible error by saying Queen’s College was celebrating its 180th anniversary. Given that Granger made a speech at the QC general assembly hours earlier and lauded the achievements in the 175-year history, responsible journalists must ask hard questions of his mental health. The inconsistencies are piling up.

David Granger said “I don’t like a big Cabinet; I like an efficient Cabinet,” and yet his administration appointed eleven more ministers than the previous one, and Granger’s Cabinet is the largest in our nation’s history. Granger also established a multitude of departments, including one of ‘Events’ fol-

lowing the lack of seating for opposition Members of Parliament fiasco during the Jubilee celebrations. The Department Head is paid close to two million dollars a month, but yet, an important event and large income generator such as the Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX) has been handed to a ‘Londonbased’ company with ties to Raphael Trotman. Granger is either complicit in corrupt acts, asleep at the wheel, or his incapacities are being exploited by those around him.

Good journalism – fair and balanced in coverage – is required for our nation to learn the truth. “Vincit Omnia Veritas”.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Dear Editor, I noticed a trend of (mis) management of the natural resources sector and it is very worrying for professionals within the sector, particularly those working within the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and now the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)— which will soon undergo a “restructuring”.

The common denominator in the restructuring of these two agencies is the Minister, Raphael Trotman, and his AFC colleague, Clayton Hall, who acts as his chief adviser and is publicly known for his obsession with firing professional public servants under the guise of restructuring.

Mr Hall’s push was first to restructure the GFC, which was met with strong opposition by the staffers and some board members. Now Minister Raphael Trotman has issued directives to have GGMC restructured to say that it’s across the sector. However, its public knowledge that these men have vested personal interest within these two organisations and are making claims to restructure to get their own cronies fixed in strategic positions even though elections are a few months away.

Notwithstanding the NoConfidence Motion, which was validly passed since December 2018.

Further, the Minister

should not be undertaking such a restructuring during this period but only act as a caretaker; as a learned lawyer, he should know this. But he and his government have been convincing the population otherwise so much so they have fooled themselves into believing that they are the victims and are falsely believing that they are in the right. In the process, this government is holding democracy at ransom.

As a former GGMC staff, I do hope that the politically-appointed Minister and other policymakers know that GGMC is not a walkover, as GFC and the cadre of professional staff will take strong objections to any

wanton firings or displacement and replaced by henchmen/women of the Minister’s liking. As this has been the trend since he took office.

In summary, I believe we, as Guyanese, need to look out for each other and not be engaged in witch-hunting as these restructuring are aimed at but be constructive in our management of the various natural resources sectors. I must confess that I am afraid of Guyana’s vulnerability due to its disunity and dishonest political actors. There is always time to do the right thing, all are involved; all are consumed.

Region 5 RDC “Restructuring” of GGMC untimely, should help farmers belated actions are a lack of strategic vision

Dear Editor, Agriculture plays a crucial role in the life of an economy. It is the backbone of our economic system.

Agriculture not only provides food and raw material but also employment opportunities to a very large proportion of the population in Region Five.

The Region Five RDC Admin’s capital programme has in its Budget 2019 a sum of $15 million for agricultural development in the region. The recent flooding of the Mahaicony communities was caused by neglect and the unbothered and inattentive attitude of the Regional Executive Officer and Presidential Advisor,

Mr Ovid Morrison, to act on preventative measures to avoid such disaster. The flooding would have caused severe damage and loss for small farmers within the Mahaicony District.

Farmers are in need of desperate help to prepare their lands for their next crop. The RDC should use the monies allocated in the budget to help farmers with machinery, fuel, seed paddy and other agricultural items needed to help them get back to their lands for crop production.

Govind Singh Former Deputy Regional Executive Officer Region 5

Plans afoot to... of lands belonging to or previously utilised by the sugar industry would be handled by a purportedly established State Land Sales Committee. DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, in the June 1, 2019 Guyana Times, is quoted to have said the Committee “…will ensure there is transparency in the disposal of these assets because, in our modern history, this will be the largest transfer of assets by the State to the Private Sector”. We do not recall that the members of this so-called Committee were ever disclosed.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in its deci-

from page 4

sion on the now-famed NoConfidence Motion matter, pointed out that “… the Government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and to restrain the exercise of its legal authority”. Most definitely, a decision of this magnitude ought not to be taken at this time, if any time at all. While we hope what we heard is really not true, we, at the same time, cannot be aware of moves brought to our attention in this direction and remain silent.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Sincerely, T Williams (Snr)

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thursday, november 7, 2019

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What is asthma?

sthma (pronounced: AZ-muh) is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. Lots of people have asthma, from young kids to the elderly.

What causes asthma?

No one knows exactly why some people develop asthma.

Experts think it might be a combination of environmental factors and genes.

People with asthma may have a parent or other close relative with asthma. Those who are overweight may be more likely to have it.

Asthma isn’t contagious.

You can’t catch it from someone who has it.

How asthma affects breathing

With normal breathing, air flows in through the nose or mouth and then into the windpipe (trachea). From there, it passes through the airways (bronchial tubes), into the lungs, and finally back out again.

In people with asthma, the airways are inflamed (swollen) and produce lots of thick mucus. Inflamed airways are also very sensitive, and things like dust or smoke can make the muscles around them tighten up. All these things can narrow the airways and make it harder for a person to breathe.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Asthma flare-ups An asthma flare-up (or “attack”) is when a person’s symptoms get worse. During a flare-up, a person might have:

Foundation

trouble breathing a tight chest a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing) a cough Things that bring on a flare-up are called triggers.

These can vary, but common triggers include: allergens, like pollen, mould, or other things that cause an allergic reaction in some people airborne irritants and pollutants, like smoke, strong scents, or high levels of air pollutants exercise weather, like cold, dry air or extreme heat or humidity respiratory tract infections, like colds and the flu Other things can trigger asthma flare-ups too: Some girls find their asthma gets worse just before their periods. Even laughing, crying, and yelling can sometimes make the airways tighten.

Many people with asthma compare a flare-up to the feeling of trying to breathe through a straw – it feels very hard to get air in and out of their lungs.

An asthma flare-up can last for several hours (or longer if a person doesn’t use asthma medicine). When a flare-up is over, the person usually feels better. Between flare-ups, breathing can seem completely normal, although some people may cough or feel as if they are always short of breath.

How is asthma diagnosed?

To diagnose asthma, a doctor will do a physical exam and ask about the person’s medical history, including whether anyone else in the

family has asthma.

The doctor might do tests like spirometry (pronounced: spye-RAH-muh-tree) or peak flow meter tests. These involve blowing into devices that can measure how well the lungs are working. Allergy tests or exercise tests can tell doctors if asthma is brought on by allergens or physical activity. Doctors may use X-rays to rule out

weather and stay indoors or limit your exercise to indoor activities when you know weather or air pollution may affect you.

Doctors help people with exercise-induced asthma manage physical activity, not avoid it. Exercise can help people stay healthier overall.

Doctors can help people find treatments that allow them to them participate in their

other problems.

sports — in fact, many professional athletes have asthma.

How is asthma treated?

There’s no cure for asthma, but it can be managed to prevent flare-ups. Asthma treatment involves two important components: avoiding triggers and taking medicine.

Avoiding triggers

People with asthma need to avoid the things that might cause flare-ups. Of course, some triggers can’t be completely avoided (like catching a cold). But exposure to other triggers, such as pet dander, can be controlled.

Keep your environment clear of potential allergens, like dust or second-hand smoke. Don’t smoke (or quit if you do). Pay attention to the

Taking medicine

Most asthma medicines are breathed directly into the lungs (inhaled), but some are pills or liquids. There two types of medicines are: Quick-relief medicines, which act fast. They can be used as needed during a flareup. Quick-relief medicines act fast, but their effect doesn’t last long. These kinds of medicines are also called “fast-acting” or “rescue” medicines.

Long-term control medicines, which manage asthma and prevent symptoms from happening in the first place. Many people need to take daily medicines to manage asthma. These medicines

help prevent flare-ups before they start. They work differently from quick-relief medicines because they treat the problem of airway inflammation instead of the symptoms (coughing, wheezing, etc) that it causes. These medicines are also called “controller” or “maintenance” medicines.

Long-term control medicines can take days or even weeks to start working. Their regular use should lessen the need for quick-relief medicines, but they need to be taken every day or they can’t do their job.

Some people with asthma only need quick-relief medicine; others need both kinds of medicine to keep their asthma in check.

Asthma care can seem overwhelming, especially at first. That’s why people with asthma need to work closely with a doctor to create an asthma action plan that’s right for them. The written plan will say when to take medicines, what triggers to avoid, when to go

to the ER, and more. Refer to your plan often.

What else should I know?

The best way to manage asthma is to prevent flareups. Do that by following your asthma action plan and avoiding triggers, taking any medicines your doctor prescribes as directed, and getting a flu shot each year.

Your doctor also may ask you to keep track of your asthma symptoms in an asthma diary. This can help the doctor track how you feel after taking medicines. Your doctor might also ask you to use a peak flow meter as a way to monitor your asthma.

Caring for asthma takes a bit of work. But if you follow your asthma action plan, take your medicines properly, recognise your symptoms and triggers, and check in with your doctor regularly, you can do anything that people without asthma do. (kidshealth.org)

What should I do if my friend is having an asthma flare-up?

A

– Zahara n asthma flare-up can be scary, both for the person having it and anyone who sees it happening.

A friend who knows how to handle the situation can be a big help.

Here’s what to do: Stay calm and be reassuring. Help your friend relax.

If someone who is having a flare-up panics, it can make it even harder to breathe.

Take your friend away from any possible asthma triggers, like smoke.

Have your friend sit upright. Lying down might make breathing more difficult.

If your friend can talk, ask what his or her asthma action plan says to do during a flare-up. If your friend is able to tell you, follow the plan.

If your friend can’t speak or doesn’t remember what to do, ask if he or she has an inhaler to use during flare-ups. If so, get the inhaler and help your friend to use it.

Call 911 if: an inhaler is not available your friend is having trouble talking or is struggling to breathe your friend’s lips are turning blue your friend becomes unconscious the inhaler doesn’t help Friends can be the first line of defence for someone who is having an asthma flare-up. So it’s great that you want to be prepared! *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. (kidshealth.org)

NEWS

7

thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Penalties for oil companies normally left out of Local Content Policy – Bynoe ...in light of concerns

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he recently released Local Content Policy has come in for criticism, particularly for its lack of penalties for oil companies who do not honour their commitments.

According to the Energy Department, however, persons will have to wait for legislation in order to see penalties.

This was explained by the Department of Energy Head, Dr Mark Bynoe, at a press conference on Wednesday.

Bynoe acknowledged that the policy itself does not have penalties; however, he claimed that penalties are generally left out in Local Content Policies.

“The Local Content Policy is different from the local content legislation and often sanctions are not found within policy documents. That’s the issue we have here. So while we understand the need for sanctions… that will come in subsequent legislation”.

He also explained that presently, they are in the final stages of a tender for an international oil and gas law firm. According to Bynoe, this firm will assist Guyana with drafting laws to oversee the oil and gas sector.

“Tender for the international oil and gas law firm is in its final stages of selection. The expected award of a contract is anticipated at the end of this month, with the consultant firm commencing consultations across institutions”.

“And the preparation

Energy Department Head, Dr Mark Bynoe

of draft laws and regulations, which can ultimately be laid before the National Assembly,” Bynoe explained; though at present, the National Assembly is in limbo, with the Government having been defeated by a No-Confidence Motion.

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

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

They had said that with no penalties to hold operators accountable to their

commitments and international principles of providing employment and business opportunities for Guyanese, “handshakes” and good faith are not enough.

“The Local Content Policy does not speak to anything regarding penalties for companies which fail to report or follow the commitment to local content. Good faith and ‘handshaking’ cannot suffice”.

“Whilst there does not need to be the inclusion of details of penalties in the Local Content Policy, there ought to be some mention of what the penalty in a general sense will look like, should there be violation”.

One of the GCCI’s recommendations was for a fine to be imposed on such operators who fail to comply with the order. This fine, according to GCCI, should be a percentage of an identified indicator.

“In addition, there should be a general policy on dealing with foreign companies which will affront Guyanese partners simply to obtain local content treatment, in situations where the company is not materially a Guyanese.

The Local Content Policy is the document which needs to set out a general guiding principle as to how these situations will be dealt with”.

The GCCI also noted that the essential role of the policy is to create value for the local business sector and Guyanese in general. But with the respon-

Participants during a previous Local Content Policy stakeholder engagement

sibility for monitoring this placed under the Ministry of Business, the Chambers called for the creation of a separate agency.

According to GCCI, the Local Content Dialogue Commission should have responsibility for overseeing the policy’s implementa-

tion. It recommended that the commission be made up of Government, operators, civil society, academia and the private sector.

Dr Carl Max Hanoman dies

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enowned Guyanese doctor Carl Hanoman, popularly known as Dr Max Hanoman, died on Wednesday evening at a city hospital following a brief period of illness.

Dr Hanoman, who was born and raised in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), studied medicine in Canada before returning to Guyana and to serve at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He was instrumental in the University of Guyana’s application to se-

Dr Carl Max Hanoman

cure international accreditation from the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). He was elect-

ed President of the Guyana Medical Association in 1995. He served in that capacity for five years.

Moreover, People’s Progressive Party Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday evening expressed condolences to Dr Hanoman’s family. Ali said that Dr Hanoman served the medical profession with excellence and his death is a great loss to Guyana. He added that Guyanese, as well as regional counterparts, befitted significantly from Dr Hanoman’s expertise.

8 NEWS

thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen caught with gun remanded to prison

A

19-year-old who admitted to two illegal possession of firearm-related charges was on Wednesday remanded to prison after the Magistrate ordered that a probation report be prepared before sentencing.

Shamar Plass, of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and admitted that on November 3, 2019, at Laing Avenue, he had in his possession a .38 revolver

D E D N A M E

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when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. It is alleged that on the same day and location, he had in his possession three live rounds of .38 ammunition.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell told the court that about 18:30h on November 3, Police ranks, acting on information received, went to Laing

Avenue where they observed the teen sitting at the side of the road.

According to the Prosecutor, the teen was approached by the ranks and a search was conducted on his person which uncovered the firearm in the waistband of his pants.

After listening to the prosecution’s case, Magistrate McGusty remanded the teen to prison as she awaited a probation report. She set November 21, 2019 for sentencing.

Disorderly behaviour lands teen in court

A

teen who allegedly behaved in a disorderly manner found himself before Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to three

charges.

Shamar Nelson, of Lot 29 Norton Street, Georgetown, denied the charges which stated that on November 1, 2019, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he made use

of threatening behaviour towards Police Constable Edward Lowenfield.

It was further alleged that the 19-year-old behaved in a disorderly manner in public and resisted arrest.

The teen’s Attorney, Paul Fung-A-Fat stated that his client was stopped by a traffic rank since he switched road lanes. He further told the court that his client and the rank had an exchange of words, which resulted in the teen being slapped by the officer.

The Attorney, in a bail application, told the court that the officer then arrested his client and took him to the station.

The teen was released on $20,000 bail and was scheduled to return to court on November 13, 2019.

Teen remanded to prison over robbery

E

ighteen-year-old Jamal Hicks was on Wednesday slapped with a robbery charge, and he later appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The Lot 153 James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown resident appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and denied the charge which stated that on November 3, 2019, at Carmichael Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of others, he robbed Pedro Nascimento of a phone valued $100,000, a wallet valued $10,000 and $1000.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell told the court that on November 3, the victim was walking along Carmichael Street, Georgetown when he was approached by Hicks and others.

According to the Prosecutor, the teen was able to relieve the Virtual Complainant of his valuables as his accomplices restrained Nascimento.

The matter was reported and following a probe, Hicks was arrested. The Magistrate was also told that the teen was positively identified in an ID parade.

The Prosecutor requested that bail be denied. Hicks was remanded to prison and the case was scheduled to continue on November 27, 2019.

Unexplained…

O

…Wales land lease ut of the blue comes the shocking announcement that a six-week-old company has been leased 700 acres of the Wales Estate – which was shut down almost three years ago. The company is said to be a joint venture between a Ghanaian company – which recently registered a local subsidiary to service the oil industry by training needed workers – and some private individuals.

Notably, the former Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Dr Arlington Chesney. The company is supposed to “process coconut water and dried and grated coconut for a market in the Dominican Republic”.

There are so many questions that are raised. First, there’s the propriety of a government that was told by the Highest Court in the land – the CCJ – that it’s in “Caretaker Mode” to make this deal. Such a government is supposed to only keep the wheels of government turning on the bare necessities – with new interventions confined to dealing with unforeseen contingencies. Hiring contractors to fix the Mahaicony breach in the sea wall is OK – leasing 700 acres for 20 years with the right of first refusal at expiration is NOT!!

Then there is the process under which this lease was granted. Are the abandoned sugar lands at Wales on the market?? Was this advertised?? There were the 30 lots of land at Wales that were placed on the market and advertised in early 2018, of which four were sold. At that time, the head of NICIL’s SPU Heath-London said he was making land available there “to construct high-quality houses, restaurants and entertainment spots for more than 200,000 expatriates who are expected to come to work in Guyana’s petroleum sector”.

Nothing was ever said about leasing land for agriculture.

Yet we learnt that 1000 acres were leased to foreign companies to produce rice – to presumably compete with our hard-pressed local farmers for markets!! And now this 700 for coconuts to what is a foreign firm that came here to train oilfield workers!! If the Head of CARDI knew of a market shouldn’t the Government have arranged for fired workers to form a co-op to supply the coconuts?? Remember the Ghanaian company has absolutely no experience in coconuts!! The company would also produce food items for the FPSOs. What happened to the Government’s promise to “diversify” the lands from the shuttered estates and involve the fired workers??

And lastly, the Government should know that the Dominican Republic is one of the largest exporters of coconut PRODUCTS – oils, cream, coconut water, coir, etc – to the US. Why not insist the company add that value right here in Guyana and export to the US??

…pick of GECOM Chair

There’s a lot of folks who’re flummoxed by the decisions the GECOM Chair Claudette Singh’s been making ever since she was chosen by consensus between the PNC and PPP. Seems that more often than not, every decision she makes favours the PNC’s position. Like abandoning the H2H exercise yet retaining the partial data of 370,000 names scrutinised only by the PNC to hang over the Electors’ List like the Sword of Damocles. Or deciding to disenfranchise 25,000 citizens who didn’t uplift their ID cards…but could’ve voted with their passports.

Makes your Eyewitness’s mind go back to May 2015 when news reports identified her as the PNC nominee as the new Speaker. The AFC was said to’ve favoured Ramkarran.

But just months before, President Donald Ramotar of the PPP had appointed her a Legal Advisor to the Police, following her lucrative stint in heading the Justice Sector Modernisation Programme. Didn’t that balance things??

Or is she nursing gripes at the PPP for not being appointed Chancellor?? …sirens The Traffic Chief just delivered a homily to traffic cops: they should use their sirens judiciously and not exceed speed limits – even when providing escort to bigwigs.

Is this the best that can be done after the CoI into the horrendous accident where they found the Police escort driver, the guilty driver?

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

news

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thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

“I will choose winning PM candidate” – Granger …Ramjattan candidacy in limbo

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eader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – the majority party in the coalition government, David Granger, has stated that he will be deciding on a Prime Ministerial (PM) candidate who can deliver the best results at March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

Over the past weeks, APNU and AFC have been reviewing the Cummingsburg Accord – the agreement they signed to coalesce for the 2015 elections, which eventually got them into office.

However, those talks have hit a snag when it comes to the selection of a prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming polls, with the APNU Leader insisting that he will be selecting his running mate.

“I am a prudent and wise leader and I will make the choice which I feel that will deliver the best results, the best outcome for the people of Guyana. My objective and I’m sure the objective of the six parties of the coalition, would be to ensure that Guyana gets the best and we’re working on that… I don’t want to lose.

I want to make sure that we win and once we win, that the country is well-governed. So whoever the nominee is will be subject to scrutiny,” the President told reporters on Wednesday.

According to the coalescing deal, the APNU gets the Presidential post and the PM

President David Granger and AFC Leader and PM Candidate Khemraj Ramjattan

position goes to the AFC.

Limbo

However, while the Alliance for Change – the smaller party in the coalition – has already selected its leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, as its PM candidate, his nomination has not been accepted by the larger coalition partner.

“There is nothing in the Constitution which allows a political party to choose a prime ministerial candidate.

Once the President is elected, the President has the authority under the Constitution to select a Prime Minister. Now we can have an agreement outside of the Constitution that the prime ministerial candidate or nominees for the Prime Ministership could be made and I would make the choice. That is why at this stage, I don’t want to become involved in personalities,”

Granger stated.

However, Executive Member Dominic Gaskin said at a press conference last month that the APNU has shown little sign of support for Ramjattan’s nomination and threatened to leave the coalition. In fact, it was noted that during negotiations between the two parties to replace the existing agreement which expires in February 2020, the issue of the Presidential and prime ministerial candidates has been repeatedly deferred.

“This was a decision taken by the highest decision-making forum of our party and it is not up for debate; so it is almost a prerequisite for us entering into a coalition… We don’t accept that any other entity or any other party shall tell us or dictate to us (whom) we should choose as our prime ministerial candidate,” the

former Business Minister insisted.

Moreover, the AFC had its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last Saturday, during which guidance was provided to assist the party’s negotiating team in finalising an agreement on the outstanding issues in order to arrive at a successor Cummingsburg Accord.

The reviewing process between representatives from the APNU and AFC has reached an impasse and as such, the talks have been handed over to the leaders of the two parties.

This resulted in Granger and Ramjattan meeting last Thursday to continue discussions on areas that were unresolved by the negotiating team. The two leaders met again on Wednesday but according to the APNU leader, those talks will not centre on the PM candidature.

Efforts by Guyana Times to get an update on Wednesday’s meeting between the two coalition leaders were futile.

Granger had previously explained that the negotiations are being done in a threepart process. The first stage includes an agreement on core

ExxonMobil to...

Oil refinery

There has been much debate over whether Guyana should build an oil refinery and the methods that should be used.

The Government had previously hired a consultant, Pedro Haas, to carry out a feasibility study into constructing an oil refinery. The results of the study did not favour building a refinery, particularly one with a capacity to produce over 100,000 barrels per day.

In his study, Haas had looked at the cost of building an oil refinery with a capacity of producing more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day.

principles, which has been completed; the second part has to do with the revision of the Accord and the third is an agreement on the manifesto policies for next year’s March elections.

“My thinking is once the core principle has been agreed, it will be easier to fit the elements that constitute the review of the Accord and at the third level… we move on to the manifesto. After that we can launch,” he stated.

The negotiations on the Cummingsburg Accord are expected to wrap up by December 1.

from page 3

The study had come up with a US$5 billion price tag in order to construct the refinery in Guyana.

The findings of the study had also recommended that the unit at the Finance Ministry should be equipped and its capacity boosted enough to understand the microeconomics of the petroleum industry. This is so that the unit can keep up to date with the daily calculations of market prices and feed into the global market.

The expert had also suggested that as an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, the Government

could pursue maximising income from commercialising crude oil. Another suggestion was that the Government swap or toll crude oil for products on the global market or create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies.

However, the study was done at a time when ExxonMobil was the only operator in Guyana’s waters to find oil in commercial quantities.

Members of the private sector have previously urged that the construction of a refinery be re-explored when more operators find oil.

10 NEWS “I want blood to drink!”

– attacker tells guard thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Substandard food items imported refused entry into Guyana – GA-FDD

…calls for Police help go unanswered

Sea Defence Pump Station at Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

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53-year-old security guard stationed at the Sea Defence Pump Station at Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was attacked by a lone man during the wee hours of Wednesday.

Regan Resally was alone on duty when, at approximately 01:00h, a man broke the main gate and began shouting “I want blood to drink!”

He then began to break the door of the security hut.

During this process, the security guard armed himself with a stick and began to beat his attacker in self-defence.

The pump station is located in a bushy area, and at the time of the incident, the place was in total darkness.

Once the security guard managed to apprehend the perpetrator, he took him to the Regional State House, the building closest to the Pump Station.

He was hoping to receive assistance from the Police ranks on duty there; however, his calls went unanswered.

As such, the security guard took his attacker to the other nearest building, the Regional Administration Compound, but the guards there refused to help.

The security guard eventually took his attacker to the Anna Regina Police Station.

He was taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing.

The guard hut in which the security guard was sitting when he was attacked

The security guard is calling on the authorities to improve security and lighting at the Pump Station.

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Confectioners that were removed from original packaging and seized by GA-FDD

he Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has once again clamped down on local business for importing substandard food items from foreign countries. The Food and Drug Department has recently refused entry of four containers with assorted eatables imported by Faizal Asif Iqbal Alli from Canada.

This comes on the heels of several consumers’ complaints and many attempts by the Department’s inspectors to conduct inspections and locate several bonds operated by Alli. GA-FDD on Wednesday stated that the examining process which was carried out on October 25 and 30, 2019 and on November 1, 2019, revealed

that some items were labelled with misleading information, expiry dates removed and extended with a date marking machine, while other products were removed from their original packaging and placed into bulks.

As a result of the findings, the GA-FDD has pledged to carry out urgent inspections at retail premises across Guyana since two of the containers bearing substandard items were electronically released from the port of entry without the Department’s consent or approval on November 1.

The Department is also expected to share details of the illegal practice with the Canadian Food Exporters Association, which attest-

ed to the wholesomeness of the products on a health certificate that was used to facilitate the trade of the items from Canada to Guyana. More information in this regard will be released at the Department’s National Food Safety and Control Committee Meeting (NFSCCM) on November 12, 2019.

Additionally, the Department said that it will file legal proceedings against Alli for deliberately facilitating the importation and release of substandard articles of food to be used by the general populace of Guyana.

Consumers and retailers are urged to double-check labels on products and ensure dates are not tampered with.

NEws

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thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese diaspora in Florida discusses local developments

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he Guyanese community in Florida, United States last weekend hosted a town hall

meeting where a number of issues, including the country’s budding oil and gas industry, were discussed.

The event was hosted and organised by Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Florida, Ramzan Roshanali.

It

Guyanese Ambassador to the US Riyad Insanally receiving a plaque from Sunshine State Softball Cricket Youth League representative Kadima Ali at Saturday’s town hall meeting in Florida. Also in the photo are: Retired St Lucian Consul General Kent Hippolyte, FIU Director, Dr Percy Hintzen; SFSCA President Dave Singh, Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers, Honorary Consul Ramzan Roshanali, SSSCA President Devan Roy, and Richard Rambarran

was held on Saturday at the Tropics Restaurant, Pembroke Pines, Florida and featured Guyanese Ambassador to the US, Riyad Insanally, as the guest speaker.

He delivered an address on “Developments in Guyana”, which fielded questions during a question and answer segment from the attendees at the town hall meeting. Among the topics that came up for discussion are crime and security, products from the agriculture sector, education, issues relating to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), health and in-

frastructure.

The town hall meeting was attended by some 60 patrons. Some of the attendees included: Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers, St Lucia Consul General (retired) Kent Hippolyte, African and African Diaspora Study Programme (AADS) Director and Global and Socio-cultural Studies Professor at the Florida International University (FIU), Dr Percy Hintzen; President of the Sunshine State Softball Cricket Association, Devan Roy; Coordinator of the Sunshine State Softball Cricket Youth League, Kadima

Ali; President of the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL), Dave Singh, and Florida businessman Harry Rambarran.

Following last Saturday’s town hall meeting, Ambassador Insanally was presented with a plaque in appreciation of his “sterling contribution to good governance and sustainable, equitable development of Guyana, especially in the area of Foreign Service”.

The event was chaired

by Executive Member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Richard Rambarran.

12 NEWS

thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wales Primary students return to school …after endangering issues fixed

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fter almost one week of staying at home on account of the deplorable condition of, and electrical hazards, at the Wales Primary School, students were able to return after some issues were rectified.

Guyana Times was informed by a relative of a student that a meeting was facilitated earlier this week with officials of the Education Ministry and regional administration where a number of decisions were taken.

One of the two school buildings was rewired and the surroundings were fumi-

gated after reports of dangerous reptiles and rodents.

The other building, however, will be renovated after funds are released.

“School started back and the children going. They sprayed the school this weekend and rewired the building. They said school should run normal until budget finish so that they could do another set of renovation on the other building,” he related.

Last week, parents had refrained from sending their children to school after a number of health hazards were detected on the prem-

ises. One individual, whose brother attends the institution, had told this publication that the children were staying away from class since two Tuesdays ago.

After an assessment by officials and the Guyana Fire Service, one of the buildings was labelled unfit for classroom activities. The inspection also found that the electrical works needed to be redone.

“The Ministry officials and rep from the Guyana Teachers Union was there yesterday (Thursday) along with some technicians.

They went and check the

buildings. They saw that the building needs to be rewired and the Fire Service also did a check, where they condemned one of the buildings,” he had related last week.

Parents initially raised concerns about the state of the school, which was deemed unsatisfactory.

Rodents and reptiles were frequently spotted, and were believed to be living in the structure.

“Right now, children are not going to school. It have rats, bats, snakes and all kinds of thing that makes it unsafe for the children,” one

person explained.

This agitated parents, who hinted at protests if the rehabilitation was not expedited. The situation became worrying as students were missing important lessons, as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and other examinations are approaching.

Meanwhile, the Patentia Secondary School, which is situated in close proximity,

was also highlighted for having an unsafe environment in recent times. After reports surfaced of the Wales Primary, one parent contacted this publication on Wednesday, stating that the secondary institution was surrounded by “high bushes”, which serves as a habitat for dangerous animals.

It is only during the first week of the new school term that the vegetation is cut.

Improving mental wellbeing with an animal’s help

Students interact with puppies at the Therapy Day

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n several parts of the world, pets are recommended to be part of patient care plans because of their valuable contribution to people’s mental health.

Pets provide a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners, thus, reducing stress and anxiety levels.

A local non-profit organisation, Paws for Cause, is bringing this concept to Guyana and is encouraging persons to adopt a pet, as it may help with their overall mental wellbeing.

This method of reducing stress hormones, depression and anxiety has proven to be one of the most effective compared to the use of medical drugs, and is specially recommended for students, especially those pursuing tertiary education as additional research shows that they most likely need a pet, since excessive studies may lead to stress and depression.

With the help of this information, Paws for a Cause Guyana is seeking to improve animal welfare whilst promoting mental health management amongst the country’s youthful population for starters.

Another step towards achieving this goal was the hosting of a therapy day at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus on Wednesday where students were given the chance to meet rescued dogs and possibly adopt.

One of Paw’s for a Cause Founders and university student, Steffi Denobrega, in a brief interview on campus explained that the activity was undertaken since, during this time of year, most of the

institution’s students would be preparing for examinations or assignments which may cause some amount of frustration.

“So basically at UG, this is mid-semester, and it’s when the students are most pressured in exams, handing up assignments, presentations, working on proposals and I thought it would be a good way to just relieve stress because studies have shown that dogs do relieve stress….the main objective is to get Paws out there to let people know that we exist, to bring on more volunteers” Denobrega said.

Meanwhile, to spark some hope in persons suffering from mental illness(s), Ashley Kalel, a national athlete, gave her testimony of overcoming depression after owning her first dog.

“I am national squash player and a former national badminton player, in 2016 I was diagnosed with depression, I thought there was no joy in life, everything felt hopeless, I had no self-esteem and energy levels were low, food was not appetising and I just wanted to be alone…I was put on medication along with anti-depressants, in February of 2017, I got a puppy. She was a lot to handle but extremely loving…. Six weeks after getting Trixie I got off of my medication, and two months later I was completely off of my anti-depressants,” she shared.

Persons who are interested in adopting or donating funds to the non-profit body are asked to contact the Paws for a Cause’s Facebook page, where additional information will be provided

13 Pirates nabbed in Suriname handed over to Guyanese authorities T news

thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

he two young men, who were wanted by local Police in connection with the killing of four fishermen in Berbice last month, were deported from neighbouring Suriname on Wednesday.

Twenty-one-year-old O’Brian Fraser of Lot 66 Eversham Village, Corentyne and Anonth Boodrage, also

21, of Lot 97 Belvedere Village, Corentyne were nabbed by Dutch authorities on Friday in a fishing boat that moored at a port there.

Authorities in Suriname had been following the issue since it was confirmed that pirates had attacked “Sara 1”— a fishing vessel from the Corentyne.

The men were slapped

Dead: Otto Lamar Petrie

Dead: Kawal Kissoon

Missing: Marvin Tamesar

Missing: Vishnu Seeram

Nabbed pirate: Anonth Boodrage with charges earlier this week for entering the neighbouring country without declaring themselves to immigration officials there. Then on Wednesday, they were handed over to the Guyana Police Force.

Guyana Times understands that they are in custody, assisting with further investigations into the piracy-murder.

On October 30, wanted bulletins were issued for the duo.

Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, had told this newspaper last week that GPF contacted Surinamese

#4100

Nabbed pirate: O’Brian Fraser

authorities and requested their assistance in apprehending the two suspects who were at that time said to be hiding somewhere in the Surinamese territory.

According to Commander Brutus, the overseas cops and local Police were working hand-in-hand to ensure

Charged: Suresh Sundat and Narine Dhanrajh

that the men are caught and that justice is served in a timely manner.

On October 11, the body of a man was discovered on the Abary foreshore, at the time, he was not identified.

One day later, Sara 1 was

found on the Foreshore at Wellington Park, Corentyne without the crew of four.

It was then that the body found at the Abary foreshore was identified as one of the four fishermen. turn to page 15

14 news Miner crushed Young Mahaica resident to death by tree admitted to practise law in Guyana T Y thursday, november 7, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

hirty-five-year-old Shamlall Moralis, a miner of Lot 180 Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Monday morning crushed to death by a tree while working in Isserenu Backdam, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Reports are that about 11:00h, Moralis was about to do ground work in close proximity of an excavator, which was cutting down a tree at the time.

Investigations revealed that the operator of the excavator did not see the miner, and as such, he was in the path of the tree as it fell, landing on his head and killing him immediately.

Police have since

Dead: Shamlall Moralis

launched an investigation into the incident.

oung Mahaica, East Coast Demerara resident Sonia Nauth, who recently graduated from Hugh Wooding Law School, was on Wednesday admitted to the bar after her petition was presented to Chief Justice (acting) Roxane George.

Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law Rinee Kissoon, who, in her presentation, said that Nauth is a humanitarian who has conducted several charitable projects in Guyana.

The Attorney noted that the young woman has a great work ethic that will contribute to her success as a lawyer.

The Chief Justice told Nauth that law was a profession that called for lifelong learning, honesty, integrity and courtesy and encouraged her to be respectful so she could earn respect in the profession.

She was advised to always seek advice from seniors in the profession together with keeping abreast with the laws of Guyana, in order to have a striving career.

She was also encouraged by the Chief Justice to conduct thorough research so that she can serve her clients and the people of Guyana, as lives will be impacted by her advice.

Nauth, after listening to the Chief Justice’s advice, expressed that she was grateful for the opportunity and committed to practising with integrity. The young woman expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed towards her success.

The 26-year-old woman of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara attended Maes Primary School and then

New Attorney Sonia Nauth

commenced her A-Level at Nations University.

She then attended the University of Guyana where she attained her LLB, then Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

In an interview with this news entity, Nauth revealed, “My journey throughout law school has not been a fairy tale; it has taken countless sleepless nights and many sacrific-

es. It has also instilled an important skill upon me, which can only be described by one word: perseverance.

It is a discipline, unlike any other, and something that I will take with me throughout life”.

Nauth stated that she will enter this honourable and noble profession.

“I am reminded of the oath that I have taken to serve the people of Guyana and to ensure that even the smallest voice is heard within the confines of the law, because, there is nothing more humbling than to represent those who do not have a voice of their own,” stated Nauth.

Nauth expressed her gratitude to her parents for their sacrifices.

The new member of the legal fraternity advised persons pursuing law that to overcome the challenges, they must believe in themselves.

Nauth stated that she will be pursuing her Masters and will return home to serve the people of Guyana.

news

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thursday, november 7, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 former Twitter employees Cuba attracts $1.7B in foreign accused of spying for Saudi Arabia investment despite US sanctions

T

wo former employees of Twitter Inc and a third man from Saudi Arabia face U.S. charges of spying for the kingdom by digging up private user data and giving it to Saudi officials in exchange for payment, according to a complaint filed on Wednesday.

Ali Alzabarah and Ahmad Abouammo, who used to work for Twitter, and Ahmed Almutairi, who then worked for the Saudi royal family, face charges of working for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without registering as foreign agents, according to a complaint filed against them.

According to the complaint, Abouammo repeatedly accessed the Twitter account of a prominent critic of the Saudi royal family in early 2015. In one instance, he was able to view the email address and telephone number associated with the account. He also accessed the account of a second Saudi critic to get personally identifiable information.

“This information could have been used to identify and locate the Twitter users

C

who published these posts,” the Justice Department said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in confronting Iran, has faced intense Western criticism over its human rights record, including over last year’s murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its involvement in the devastating war in Yemen.

Almutairi, for his part, is accused of acting as a go-between for the Saudi government and the Twitter employees.

Abouammo was arrested in Seattle, Washington while the other two are in Saudi Arabia, the department said.

Abouammo was ordered to remain behind bars by a US magistrate judge on Wednesday pending a detention hearing set for

Pirates nabbed in...

The following day, another body washed up on the foreshore. The men were identified as 36-yearold Kawal Kissoon, also called “Ajai” of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne (whose body was discovered first) and Otto Lamar Petrie 20, of Lot 90 Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant.

The other two who have not been found are Marvin Tamesar, also called “Buddy” and “Bin Laden”, and Vishnu Seeram, also called “Kevin” – both of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant.

Police later arrested two men, who later confessed to the crime. It was reported that they told investigators they attacked Sara 1 and demanded that the crew hand

Charged: Lenox Grimond

over their catch.

According to a Police source, the men, in their confession, claimed that the crew did not comply and were subsequently bound and thrown into the sea.

Friday. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a court filing it wants Abouammo detained pending trial because of a “serious risk” of flight. The two men were given cash and other rewards, such as an expensive watch, for the information, the complaint said.

The Saudi embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Twitter said that it was grateful to the FBI and US Justice Department. “We recognize the lengths bad actors will go to try and undermine our service,” it said in a statement. “We understand the incredible risks faced by many who use Twitter to share their perspectives with the world and to hold those in power accountable.” (Reuters)

from page 13

It was also reported that the two men also provided investigators with the names of their accomplices.

They were placed before the Court on October 30, charged with the murder of the four fishermen during an act of piracy within the Corentyne Magisterial District.

Suresh Sundat, 22, of Belvedere Squatting Area and Narine Dhanrajh, 30, of Belvedere Village were remanded after being arraigned for the murder of the four crew members.

On that day, Police also arrested 38-year-old Lenox Grimond of Cromarty Village. He was placed before the Court on Friday last and also remanded.

uba said on Wednesday the country had attracted $1.7 billion worth of foreign investment over the past year despite a tighter US trade embargo and worsening cash crunch, although it did not reach its goal of $2 billion to $2.5 billion annually.

Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca told a news conference at Cuba’s annual trade fair in Havana that 25 investment projects had been agreed since October last year, compared with 40 in the same period the previous year worth a lesser $1.5 billion.

Cuba’s communist government passed a new foreign investment law five

years ago and created a special economic zone just west of Havana boasting tax and customs breaks with the hope of attracting more foreign capital to boost its ailing state-dominated economy.

For a few years, Cuba had improved relations with the West, and foreign companies including US firms descended upon Havana en masse, elbowing one another to gain a foothold in the opening market.

Ana Teresa Igarza, director general of the special economic zone, said on Wednesday that 50 projects had been agreed so far there, with 26 already in operation.

But Cuba’s economy has

lost some appeal in recent years as it has entered a crisis due to the implosion of key ally Venezuela and a resulting decline in subsidies.

Over the past year, there have been shortages of everything from fuel to medicine and certain foodstuffs.

In addition, US President Donald Trump over the past two years has rolled back the détente of his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama and imposed new sanctions on Cuba. These include allowing US citizens to sue foreign companies they deem to be trafficking in properties unlawfully confiscated from them after the island’s 1959 revolution. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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thursday, november 7, 2019

Regional

legislator Chilean Police Officers set Haitian-American wins 3rd election in 6 months on fire by Molotov cocktails H

R

euters’ photographers covering protests in the central Santiago rallying point of Plaza Italia were getting ready to capture images on Monday as the Police set about clearing the square for the evening.

Jorge Silva, Reuters’ Chief Photographer in South East Asia, has been in Chile covering the protests that started two weeks ago over public transport fare hikes and broadened into often violent demonstrations over inequality in one of Latin America’s richest nations.

He was standing close to the Baquedano metro station that has remained shuttered amid arson attacks, and watched as Police tried to drive protesters away from a broad avenue leading out of the square.

As the Police used tear gas canisters and water cannons against the protesters, he saw a series of Molotov cocktails thrown in the direction of the Police.

Two Police Officers were engulfed in flames. They

A Riot Police Officer on fire reacts during a protest against Chile's government in Santiago, Chile

were helped by colleagues who used fire extinguishers and their hands to put out the fires.

The two women, María José Hernández Torres, 25, and Abigail Catalina Aburto Cardenas, 20, both members of the Santiago Police Special Forces, are in serious conditions in hospital, Police said.

Silva saw a flare out of the corner of his eye and swung his camera to capture an image just as the flames surged above the heads of the Police Officers.

“I realised a Police

Officer had been set on fire by a Molotov and her team were trying to extinguish the fire,” he said.

Three Reuters photographers captured images showing one of the officers, her helmet pulled off, grimacing in pain as her colleagues sprayed her with a fire extinguisher to try to put out the flames licking around her face.

Ivan Alvarado, a Reuters photographer based in Chile who documented the scene from a nearby rooftop, said the flames spread quickly.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Information Minister said he did not expect the issue to impact the Government as a whole, and that he was "not fearful," or apprehensive about any investor fallout from the development.

Last week, there were confirmed reports that the US visas of Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry

of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz, and Parliamentary Opposition leader of Business, Phillip Paulwell had been revoked.

It is also understood that at least six members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were also issued with notices that their US visas were revoked. (Jamaica Observer)

aitian-American New York City Democratic Council Member Farah Louis won the New York General Elections Tuesday for the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, by a massive landslide – her third victory in six months.

With 99 of the 121 polling precincts reporting, Louis, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was way ahead of her nearest challenger, Anthony Beckford, who contested the elections on the Green Party line.

Louis received 12, 910 votes to Beckford's 652 votes, while Republican David Fite received 298 votes.

“I knew that there was the fire in me,” Louis told jubilant supporters Tuesday night at her victory party on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. “God was unifying me to bring everyone together from Day One”.

“I was the best person for the job,” she added. “He sent people on the front line to work with me. This campaign could've been relatively short and sweet, but I believe this journey was long

Council Member Farah Louis (centre) flanked by Haitian American New York Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte and Haitian American Samuel Pierre

and strenuous because I had to prove to my community, God and myself how bad I wanted this. And the efforts of my supporters, partners and allies had to dictate how hard you'll work at it”.

Louis noted that “A Unified 45, the mantra that guided this campaign, has become reality”.

“For others, who frowned upon the vision God gave me and my peers, I believe now they understand the value of respecting an individual's ethnicity, race, culture and religion and, core values,” she said.

“God sent me a few warriors who have been told in the past you aren't, you couldn't and shouldn't but they did,” Louis added.

“The best part of this story is that the warriors didn't look like me; we didn't come from the same places or have the same family structures,” she continued. “The common denominator was that we all had a heart to serve the community, to serve them well and to do it together. I lean on them because they came before me, they understand. (Excerpt from CMC)

Jamaica: Investor fall-out from revocation Brazil's lower house OKs proposal of US visas not worrisome, says Samuda to ease gun ownership, but dilutes it

S

enior Cabinet Minister Karl Samuda says he is not worried about the impact of the recent revocation of the United States visas of a government minister and others, on investor confidence.

At a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House this morning the

Antigua PM secures LIAT loan in successful visit to Venezuela

A

ntigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne left Antigua on Wednesday on a quick visit to Venezuela that saw Antigua and Barbuda being formally inducted into ALBA Bank as a new member, as well as the signing of the Financing Agreement relating to the loan of US$15.8 million for injection into LIAT. On his arrival, PM Browne was met on the tarmac with an honour guard

by Vice Minister Yuri Pimentel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he was then whisked away to his meetings in downtown Caracas.

The 22nd meeting of the Ministerial Council and the 72nd meeting of the Executive Board of ALBA Bank were held in Caracas Venezuela during the morning at the headquarters of the Central Bank of Venezuela.

The Governor of the Central Bank, Calixto Ortega, welcomed PM Browne and stated how

B

razil’s lower House of Congress approved a proposal to ease gun ownership, but withdrew some of the measures the Government had hoped to see pass.

The bill, which passed late on Tuesday and will now head to the Senate, was limited to regulating gun use among snipers, hunters and collectors. It also made small adjustments to rules governing the purchase of

firearms by security officials, who are already permitted to carry guns.

The parts that were withdrawn, which relate to granting access to firearms to a broader swathe of the population, will be presented in a separate bill by the government on Wednesday, the legislative body’s press agency said.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, has long advocated

Visitors to the Caribbean increase

T

Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro

pleased he was that Antigua and Barbuda was becoming the seventh member of ALBA Bank, joining Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Bolivia.

During the meeting, PM Browne formally deposited the instrument that allowed Antigua and Barbuda to join the Bank, and he expressed his satisfaction at the good financial position of the Bank which would, in his view, engender trust and confidence.

Both St Vincent and the

Grenadines and Dominica, in offering their congratulations, indicated that they fully supported the ‘bold move’

by Antigua and Barbuda to join the Bank.

ALBA Bank was established in 2005 as the brainchild of former President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez Frias, and the former President of Cuba, Fidel Castro, and was envisioned as a regional development bank that would provide resources to fill the development needs of the countries of the region. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

broadening gun laws here to fight years of rising crime.

In May, Bolsonaro signed decrees – that needed congressional approval – to ease restrictions on importing and carrying guns and buying ammunition. After the Senate rejected those measures here Bolsonaro reconsidered his strategy.

Eventually, the Government sent new gun proposals to Congress.

(Reuters)

ourist arrivals to the Caribbean increased by a solid 9.7 per cent during the first half of 2019 compared to the same period last year, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) said today.

Addressing the media at a news conference at World Travel Market this morning, CTO’s Chairman, Dominic Fedee, said this performance was more than double the global average of 4.4 percent.

Between January and June this year, there were 17.1 million tourist trips to the Caribbean, 1.5 million more than the corresponding period in 2018.

The foundation of this performance was a strong United States market which grew by 20.2 percent, totalling a first half record of 8.9 million overnight international tourists. During the same period, 2.1 million Canadian tourists stayed in the region, a 2.4 per cent rise when compared to the

Caribbean Tourism Organisation Chairman Dominic Fedee addressing the gathering at the World Travel Market in London [Photo by: CTO/Johnson JohnRose]

same period last year.

However, the European market was flat, registering a marginal 0.4 per cent increase to 2.9 million trips, with the UK market down by 1.7 per cent, especially in Cuba, which fell by 22 per cent, and the Dominican Republic, down by 15.3 per cent.

The strong results re-

corded in the first half reflect the resilience of individual destinations and demonstrate their ability to skilfully navigate global political and economic concerns, including Brexit and the ongoing trade wars which threaten the stability of the global economy.

Several factors supported the gains made so far including increased air capacity between the region and major sources, expansions in the accommodation sector and the positive positioning of the destinations’ brands in the various source markets.

In the cruise sector, the demand for the Caribbean was so strong in the first six months of 2019, there was a record 16.7 million visits, 1.3 million more than in the same period of 2018. The present rate of growth estimated to be 8.1 per cent, eclipsed that for similar periods in the last four years.

(Excerpt from Barbados Nation News)

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thursday, november 7, 2019

17

Around the World

3 killed in Baghdad protests as Trump impeachment military bans live ammunition hearings to go

A

t least three people were killed in anti-government protests in Baghdad on Wednesday while 17 others were injured, Iraq's human rights committee said.

Iraqis have congregated in the capital's Tahrir Square for weeks demanding an overhaul of the political system in the biggest wave of mass protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The death toll came as Iraq's military spokesman said security forces were ordered not to use live fire on demonstrators.

"To avoid any confusion, clear and strict instructions have been handed down that no live ammunition be used. Orders have also been

United Nations says Iraqi security forces are committing severe human rights violations against protesters [Photo by: Thaier alSudani/Reuters]

given not allow any live ammunition on the scene [of protests]," Major-General Abdul Karim Khalaf told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

In the 24 hours to late Tuesday, security forces

shot dead at least 13 protesters.

Abu Zahra, 50, said demonstrators were peacefully protesting.

"We are here to block the bridges. If we don't, security forces are going to retake

all the bridges and Tahrir Square and end our protest.

We are defending our brothers in Tahrir".

Haider Raaed sells Iraqi flags on the streets of Baghdad that have become more popular since the demonstrations began.

"We want a new country, better than this one ruled by [Prime Minister] Adel Abdul Mahdi. He killed young men. Every time young people come to buy flags and go back [to protest] they started shooting live ammunition," Raaed told Al Jazeera.

Security forces opened fire again later on Wednesday, this time to prevent demonstrators from blocking the fifth bridge.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

“Suspicious” incident on plane at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport proves false alarm

A

“suspicious” incident aboard an airliner that forced the evacuation of its passengers and crew at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Wednesday evening proved to be a false alarm, the airline said.

Spanish-owned Air Europa said in a statement that a pilot had accidentally triggered an alarm, causing a major security lockdown at one of Europe’s busiest airports.

“In a plane (set to fly)

from Amsterdam to Madrid tonight an alarm was accidentally activated which set off safety protocols at the airport,” it said. “There was no cause for alarm, all passengers were fine and waiting for the flight to take off.”

It added: “We are sorry, there was no cause for alarm”.

Dutch military Police had earlier reported a “suspicious situation” aboard the airliner and launched an investigation. (Reuters)

Video game addiction: China imposes gaming curfew for minors

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hina is imposing a curfew on online gaming for minors, the Government has announced.

Gamers under 18 will be banned from playing online between 22:00h and 08:00h.

They will also be restricted to 90 minutes of gaming on weekdays and three hours on weekends and holidays.

It's part of China's latest move to curb video game addiction, which officials say is damaging to children's health.

China is one of the world's largest gaming markets.

The official Government guidelines - released on Tuesday - include spending limits for minors.

Gamers eight to 16 years

China began regulating the gaming industry to address a rise in near-sightedness among children

old can spend up to 200 yuan ($29) per month, while those between 16 and 18 years can spend up to 400 yuan on their gaming accounts.

China is the second-largest gaming market in the world, with US global rev-

enue surpassing China for the first time this year due to China's increased regulations on the industry, according to research firm Newzoo.

China has repeatedly criticised video games for

negatively affecting young people.

In 2018, the Government announced the establishment of a gaming regulator - in response to concerns about near-sightedness in children - to limit the number of new online games, restrict playing time and develop an age-restriction system.

The same year, China enacted a halt on approvals for new video games, which lasted nine months, dealing a significant blow to the lucrative industry.

Some of the largest video game companies responded proactively, but enforcement and reliable age verification have been major concerns.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

British PM's election campaign launch marred by gaffe, resignation and doctored video

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ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s election campaign launch was marred by the resignation of one of his ministers, a gaffe about the victims of a deadly tower blaze and a doctored video of an opponent released by his party.

Johnson called a snap Dec. 12 election in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock that he says has paralysed Britain for more than three years and had started to undermine confidence in the world’s fifth-largest economy.

But just an hour after meeting Queen Elizabeth to formally begin the election campaign, Johnson’s minister for Wales, Alun Cairns, resigned after being accused of lying about his knowledge about an aide who allegedly sabotaged a rape trial.

At the start of the campaign, Johnson’s Conservatives enjoy a lead over the opposition Labour Party of between 7 and 17 percentage points, though pollsters warn that their models are wilting beside

the Brexit furnace.

“Let’s get Brexit done,” Johnson, 55, said outside his Downing Street official residence, adding that Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn would bring yet more turmoil with fresh referendums on EU membership and Scottish independence.

“Come with us, get Brexit done and take this country forward, or, and this is the alternative next year, spend the whole of 2020 in a horror show of yet more dither and delay,” he said.

Johnson said Corbyn hated wealth and was thus like Soviet leader Josef Stalin - who sent millions to their deaths in labour camps. Corbyn said such remarks were “nonsense” that the super-rich came up with to avoid paying more tax.

Earlier, Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly spent the morning defending distributing a doctored video clip of a rival Labour Party politician instead of touting Johnson’s election campaign launch.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

public next week

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ongressional Democrats have announced the first public hearings next week in an inquiry that may seek to remove President Donald Trump from office.

Three state department officials will testify first in the televised hearings, which have until now been held behind closed doors.

The impeachment inquiry centres on claims that Trump withheld aid to Ukraine to prod it to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden.

Trump denies any abuse of power.

Three key House committees have already heard private testimony from more than two dozen witnesses.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who is overseeing the inquiry, told reporters on Wednesday that an impeachment case was building against the president.

He said: "We are getting an increasing appreciation for just what took place during the course of the last year”.

"And the degree to which the President enlisted whole departments of government in the illicit aim to get Ukraine to dig up dirt on a political opponent".

The Capitol Hill hearings will now be broadcast live, with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff is leading the inquiry

questioning witnesses.

The first public witness next week will be Bill Taylor, acting US Ambassador to Ukraine, who delivered some of the most explosive private testimony last month.

On Wednesday, House Democrats released a transcript of his evidence.

It shows Taylor told lawmakers it was his "clear understanding" that the President had withheld nearly $400M in US military aid because he wanted Ukraine to investigate the Bidens.

Trump has been making unsubstantiated corruption claims about former US Vice-President Mr Biden, whose son, Hunter Biden, worked for a Ukrainian gas company.

Joe Biden is a Democratic front-runner for the presidential election a year from now. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Record-high 44,000 dengue cases reported in Pakistan

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record-breaking 44,000 people have been infected with mosquito-borne dengue in Pakistan this year, a senior health official said, as increased outbreaks linked to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall ravage other parts of Asia.

Rana Safdar, a senior official at the National Institute of Health (NIH), told AFP news agency on Wednesday the figure is a huge leap from the previous record of 27,000 infections in 2011.

Safdar said 66 people were killed by the disease so far in 2019, compared with 370 in 2011.

He blamed climate change for the surge, but would not elaborate. The Government was "employing all available resources at its disposal to contain the problem", he said.

The highest number of patients was recorded in the capital, Islamabad, and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi, where 12,433 people were found infected with the virus, with 22

deaths.

The southern province of Sindh had 10,142 cases and 26 deaths, according to NIH data shared with local media outlet the Dawn. There were 9260 cases in Punjab, the most populous province.

Dr Mahseema Siddique, who treats dengue patients, blamed the government for the rise in cases, saying local authorities in Punjab and Islamabad, in particular, failed to take precautions such as covering up water reservoirs or spraying anti-dengue chemicals.

"They woke up only after hundreds of people got infected and that was too late.

There are a large number of areas where spray teams could not make it," he said.

Dengue is transmitted mainly by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which thrives in densely populated tropical climates and breeds in stagnant pools of water.

Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected humans - even asymptomatic ones - and pass it along to other people through bites.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, november 7, 2019

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Calvin and Hobbes

An emotional matter will be difficult to control. Go directly to the source of the information you are given if something doesn’t seem right. Don’t pay for anything you don’t want or need.

CANCER

Evaluate a proposal and consider how to use what you and the person making it have to offer. An innovative plan will pay off if you split the work and cost.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Certain improvements will require you to do a little work. Physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle are in your best interest. Don’t let temptation lead you down the wrong path.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Get out more and spend time with people who offer insight, knowledge and a different point of view. A function or event will lead to a good connection.

LIBRA

Taking a business trip or checking out a potential offer, school or new direction will make you feel better about the future. Personal gains, family ties and romance are favored.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

It’s up to you to bring about change. Don’t wait for someone else to do the work.

Look at your options, find out what you need to know and initiate your plan.

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

Peanuts

An unfamiliar environment will broaden your outlook regarding educational pursuits or your family history. A proposal, gift or settlement will improve your life. Romance is emphasized.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOr last published puzzle AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A different living arrangement will encourage you to make an emotional decision. Making a commitment to someone will help ease stress and bring you peace of mind.

Keep your distance from people trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Vivid metaphors will send a damaging message that could promote unwanted change. Remain calm.

Think before you make a rash statement or a move that could box you in. Know your boundaries, the facts and your legal rights before you join in someone else’s battle.

Spend more time preparing and getting things done. The less time you engage in conversations, the easier it will be to avoid being blamed or criticized for leaked information.

Use your insight and know-how to help others. A change you make will improve a legal or financial matter. Refrain from making unnecessary purchases.

Stretch your dollars.

thursday, november 7, 2019

19

Windies Women suffer 2-1 ODI series defeat to India W

est Indies Women suffered a OneDay International (ODI) series defeat when they lost to India Women in the third and final ODI by six wickets at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Batting first, West Indies Women were bundled out for 194 all out in 50 overs with Captain Stafanie Taylor leading the scorecard with a polished 79. Stacy Ann King chipped in with 38 while Hayley Matthews scored 26. West Indies Women lost Natasha McLean for three while Guyana’s Shemaine Campbelle managed only seven. Taylor’s innings of 79 spanned 112 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

Veteran seamer Jhulan Goswami picked up 2-30 while Poonam Yadav had 2-35 in her 10 overs. In reply, Indian openers Jemimah Rodrigues and

Smriti Mandhana took the game away from West Indies, scoring an impressive opening partnership of 141. The right-handed teenager, Rodrigues scored 69 from 92 balls, but her innings was undone when the wicket-keeper, Campbelle, stumped her off a Matthews delivery.

Matthews with her offspin then flighted one to Mandhana, who threw her wicket away for a well-

made 7 4 from 63 balls. The left-handed Indian opener struck nine fours and three sweet sixes in her return innings to ODI cricket.

Captain Mithali Raj and Punam Raut took India close to the total, but with five runs remaining, Raj found the mid-on fielder and was out for 20, off Afy Fletcher. Matthews continued her return with a third wicket, removing Raut with a full toss for 24 with still five remaining.

D e e p t i Sharma hit the winning four as India clinched the series, ending victorious on 195-4 in 42.1 overs.

Smriti Mandhana

LeBron James sends message to doubters after triple-double display

L

os Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James poked fun at his doubters after posting his third consecutive triple-double in the NBA. James became the first Laker with three straight triple-doubles in 32 years following Tuesday's 118-112 win over the Chicago Bulls.

The fourtime MVP and

three-time NBA champion had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as he became the first Lakers player to achieve the feat since Magic Johnson in 1987.

After a difficult first campaign in Los Angeles ravaged by injury, James is flourishing this season and the 34-year-old had a message for his critics.

Quotetweeting a post from the Lakers, James wrote "#WashedKing" next to two emojis – one representing a "shh" sign and another being a crown.

James endured a forgettable debut camLebron James

paign in Los Angeles, where a groin injury restricted him to 55 games in 2018-19 as the Lakers missed the playoffs for a sixth successive season.

But James and the Lakers are flying high thanks to six successive wins following their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Opening Night.

"Try to be in the right place at the right time," James – whose team rallied from a 19-point deficit in Chicago – said when asked what the keys are to his triple-doubles. "Being a triple threat on the floor.

"I trust my team-mates to make shots. I just try to put the pull in on time and on target. They've been doing that.

"Defensively, trying to rebound as much as I can even though I'm playing a pointguard position. Then scoring, just trying to read the defence and pick my spots – be aggressive.

"It comes with team success for me. A triple-double means absolutely nothing to me if it's not in a win.

This is three wins for us and I feel pretty happy about how we have performed."

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women HK Matthews run out (Mandhana/†Bhatia) 26 NY McLean c Gayakwad b Pandey 3 SA Campbelle † c Raj b Gayakwad 7 SR Taylor (c) c & b Poonam Yadav 79 CN Nation c & b Sharma 6 Kyshona A Knight c Sharma b Poonam Yadav 16 SACA King b Goswami 38 AA Alleyne b Goswami 2 S Gajnabi run out (Goswami) 4 ASS Fletcher not out 2 A Mohammed run out (Kaur/†Bhatia) 2 Extras 9 (lb 1, w 8) TOTAL 194 all out (50 Overs, RR: 3.88) Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Natasha McLean, 5.3 ov), 2-33 (Shemaine

Campbelle, 9.4 ov), 3-40 (Hayley Matthews, 13.2 ov), 4-50 (Chedean Nation, 17.4 ov), 5-84 (Kyshona Knight, 32.4 ov), 6-180 (Stafanie Taylor, 47.4 ov), 7-186 (Stacy-Ann King, 48.3 ov), 8-190 (Shabika Gajnabi, 48.5 ov), 9-190 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 48.6 ov), 10194 (Anisa Mohammed, 49.6 ov) BOWLING O M R W J Goswami 9 2 30 2 S Pandey 7 1 42 1 RS Gayakwad 10 1 39 1 Poonam Yadav 10 1 35 2 DB Sharma 10 3 26 1 H Kaur 4 0 21 0 India Women JI Rodrigues st †Campbelle b Matthews 69 S Mandhana c Fletcher b Matthews 74 PG Raut c & b Matthews 24

M Raj (c) c Gajnabi b Fletcher 20 H Kaur not out 0 DB Sharma not out 0 Extras 3 (lb 1, w 2) TOTAL 195-4 (42.1 Overs, RR: 4.63) Yet to bat: T Bhatia †, J Goswami, S Pandey, Poonam Yadav, RS Gayakwad Fall of wickets: 1-141 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 25.1 ov), 2-150 (Smriti Mandhana, 27.2 ov), 3-190 (Mithali Raj, 39.3 ov), 4-190 (Punam Raut, 40.2 ov) BOWLING O M R W SACA King 4 0 16 0 AA Alleyne 4 0 24 0 S Gajnabi 4 1 30 0 HK Matthews 8 1 23 3 ASS Fletcher 8 1 32 1 A Mohammed 7 0 35 0 SR Taylor 6 0 29 0

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursday, november 7, 2019

GTTA names players for National Talent Identification Training Programme organisations and Guyana.

In this regard, the GTTA executive committee will be looking to expand the list of players.

GTTA Programme Training Boys List:

Christopher Barrow, Curtis Mc Crae, Kyle Orderson, Umar Percival, Rhys Belle, Jaswan Seenarine, Tyrese Gomes, Saaliah Rahim, Ian Gomes, Narren Persaud, Tawfeeq Rahim, Krishna Singh, Peter Persaud, Andelle Austin, Tai Panday, Adrian Melville, Kevic Samsudeen, Tameshwar Ramnarine, Kyle Chung, Khalid Gobin, Ajay Persaud, Uriel Isadore, Shaquan Williams, Ridwaan Kassim, Shaquard Favorite, Shaunquan Richards, Gavin Narine, Jarett Goddette, Timothy Braithwaite, Christopher Jones, Rolex Alexander, A Hanniff, Jonathan Hawke, and Steffon Paddy.

GTTA Programme Training Girls List:

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ith the acquisition of the services and expertise of Cuban high-level coach Osdani Romero Garcia, who is in Guyana for a two-month training and coaching stint, the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has identified a group of talented young players to benefit.

The group have been selected based on their performance in domestic competitions, technical and tactical skills, aptitude, discipline and talent. The GTTA seeks to provide a platform for the players with potential to benefit from high-level training.

This target group is between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. The GTTA’s plan is to engage these players in training and coaching

activities utilising the services of Coach Garcia, after school, as well as in in-school and weekend sessions.

The programme is geared towards providing high-quality training and services for young talented athletes the GTTA believes have the potential to be future representatives of Guyana, in view of improving and accelerating their technical and tactical abilities, and transitioning correct approach, discipline, knowledge and concepts towards training to improve players’ performance with the central aim of assisting them in the realisation of their true potential and developing a core of athletes with the potential to represent their schools, regions

MYO-Trophy Stall Inter-Jamaat 10over softball cricket resumes

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he Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) of Guyana-Trophy Stall Inter-Jamaat 10-Over Softball Cricket Competition 2019 continued on Sunday, November 3 at the MYO Ground, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands.

In the first game, Diamond New Scheme Masjid won the toss and decided to take first strike. Diamond New Scheme Masjid managed to score 109 runs for the loss of seven wickets before their overs ran out. Mansoor Khan scored 28 runs (1x6, 3x4); Kareem Kayum, 26 runs (1x6, 4x4); Shazim Khan, 20 runs (2x6, 2x4) and Safraz Mohamed, 16 (1x6) not out. Leading the bowling for the New Mosque was Faizul Nazeem, who took two wickets and was supported by Rahim Ali with one wicket.

New Mosque, in their turn at the crease, fell short by three runs, making 107 for the loss of four wickets before their overs expired. Amil Ali scored 39 runs (3x6, 2x4); Brian Singh, 17 runs (1x6, 2x4); and Shameer Baig, 19 runs (2x4).

Bowling for Diamond New Scheme Masjid were Ansar Hussain and Salman Ghanie, who picked up one wicket apiece. It was an exciting game with 12 runs required off the last over, but Diamond New Scheme held their nerve and restricted New Mosque to win by three runs.

In the second match-up, Cornelia Ida won the toss and elected to bat posting a challenging total of 123 for 3 in their allotted 10 overs. Feroze Rahaman scored 47 runs (1x6, 5x4) while Ameer Ali and Michael Ally scored 13 runs apiece.

Manuel Oviedo was the pick of the bowlers for Tuschen Train Station Masjid, picking up two for seven runs in his two overs while Nazim Azeez had one wicket for 22 runs.

Tuschen Train Station Masjid made light work

Samirah Burrowes, Sufah Burrowes, Lisana Ramscindo, Upah Hackett, Jean Jerry, Azra Huggins, Allana Gouveia, Isasha Harry, Selena Gudja, Laetitia Gamer, and Lolika Yarde.

Romero Garcia is a graduate from the University Sancti Spiritus Jose Marti Perez Cuba with a degree in Sports Science and Physical Education and a diploma in High Performance Training.

He has had considerable experience working in Venezuela and Mexico over the past four years with a great measure of success producing quality players. He is also a lead coach in Cuba’s national team programme and among the players he has trained are Daniela Fonseca, 2019 Caribbean Female Under-21 and Women’s Champion and Livian Martinez, 2019 Caribbean Men’s Under-21 gold medallist and Men’s Singles bronze medallist.

GCB-CWI Kiddy Cricket

North Georgetown cop Zone title

North Georgetown Primary were elated about their title win

of the total, knocking off the runs in nine overs for the loss of only three wickets. Opener Imtiaz Hack scored 62 runs (3x6, 6x4) not out and Anthony Arjune, 41 runs (5x6, 2x4) not out.

Game number three saw LBI A winning the toss and batting first, posting 117 runs for the loss of six wickets. Mohammed Ali made 33 runs and Raymond Haniff made 26 runs. Bowling for Stewartville Masjid was Kishun, who picked up 2 wickets for 18 runs.

Stewartville Masjid, in their turn at the crease, fell short by five runs as they could only muster 113 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Asif Mohamed made 33 runs and Bacchus, 16 runs. Bowling for LBI A was Sheik Reyaad with 4 wickets for 12 runs, and Mohammed Alli and Raymond Haniff with one each for 14 and 22 runs respectively.

In the final game of the day, LBI B won the toss and batted first, making 105 runs for the loss of four wickets. Randy Narine made 58 (6x6, 4x4) not out and the extras amounted to 21 runs. Bowling for Stewartville Masjid was Inshan Ali, who picked up 2 wickets for 18 runs.

Stewartville Masjid, in their reply, fell short by five runs again, making 101 runs for the loss of two wickets. Opener Inshan Ali gave Stewartville Masjid some hope making 57 (5x6, 1x4) not out and Salim Khan, 20 runs. Bowling for LBI B were Shamir Khan and Carl Spencer picking up one wicket a piece.The competition continues on November 11 at the MYO Ground, Woolford Avenue with four matches. At 09:00h, New Mosque will tackle Hague Masjid while at 11:00h New Amsterdam will take on Hague Masjid. The final two games will commence at 13:00h and 15:00h respectively with New Amsterdam duking it out with Cornelia Ida and Diamond New Scheme Masjid attempting to overthrow Cornelia Ida.

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)Cricket West Indies (CWI) Kiddy Progression One Cricket competition continued with matches in both the Georgetown and East Bank Districts over the past few days.

In the Georgetown District matches, North Georgetown emerged champions of the North Georgetown Zone when they defeated Winfer Gardens. North Georgetown Primary batted first and raced to 168 for 2 in their total allocation of 14 overs. Openers Dellon Wray and Kareem Caesar added 52 for the first wicket before Caesar was dismissed for 18, which included one four and two sixes. Wray then put on a further 88 for the second wicket with Samuel Barkoye to steady the innings well. Wray made 56, inclusive of 10 fours and two sixes, while Barkoye scored an unbeaten 41, inclusive of six fours.

In reply, Winfer Garden’s obvious best efforts could only realise 106 for 7, well short of their victory target of 169. Shane Prince struck two fours and two sixes in a top score of 29, while Joshua Reid made 11 as Caesar took 1 for 1. Bowling for North Georgetown, Wray took one for three. North Georgetown Primary won by 62 runs, to secure the North Georgetown Zone Championship.

In one of the matches played in the East Bank Demerara District at Banks DIH Thirst Park Ground, Grove Primary defeated Covent Garden Primary. Grove took first strike and achieved 102-8 off their allocation of 14 overs. Openers Dumesh Singh and Shuray Johnson made 20 and 36 respectively. Singh hit one four and two six-

es before being bowled by Nazim Hamid for 20, while Johnson slammed five fours and two sixes in his top score. Early on, Covent Garden had restricted Grove to 17 for 3, but failed to capitalise on their penetrative start by allowing Grove’s batsmen to consolidate. Bowling for Covent Garden, Hamid took 2 for 5.

In reply, Covent Garden could only muster 72 for 7. Hamid, 10, was the only batsman to score double figures. Bowling for Grove, Daniel Deen claimed 2 for 6. Grove Primary won by 30 runs.

In another East Bank Demerara District match, St Anne’s Primary took first strike and managed to compile 115 for 6 from their allotted 14 overs. Opener Emanuel Lewis blasted 48, which included five fours and four sixes. Middle-order batsman Jeren Hardy added valuable support with 23, inclusive of three fours and one six, while Ryan Singh remained unbeaten on eight, inclusive of one six. Bowling for Peters Hall, Kumar Boodhoo grabbed 2 for 20, while there was one wicket apiece for Andre Hafeez, Kelvin Empteqe, Alex Henry, and Rameshwar Persaud.

In reply, Peters Hall displayed great maturity in pacing their innings past the victory target set by St Anne’s, to end on 118 for 11. The team effort by the batsmen saw Persaud stroking 31, inclusive of four fours and two sixes and opening batsman Kumar Boodhoo contributing 18, inclusive of one four and two sixes. Bowling for St Anne’s, Hardy was exceptional, finishing with three wickets for just two runs. Peters Hall won by two wickets.

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BCB-Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls tournament

RH Canje defeat Guymine to lift New Amsterdam-Canje title ꟷ Toney hails Foster’s outstanding leadership of BCB

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ose Hall Canje on Sunday last won the New Amsterdam-Canje leg of the Berbice Cricket Board/Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls cricket tournament.

The team under the inspirational leadership of Ameer Rahaman defeated the Guymine Sports Club by 16 runs to lift their first BCB title in over three decades. Playing at the historic Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Ground in front of a sizeable crowd, the home team played as a collective unit to hold off the challenge of Guymine, who were also seeking their first title in over two decades.

Guymine won the toss and elected to insert the home team in to take first strike.

Openers Michael Campbelle and Jermone Andrews added 24 for the first wicket before Campbelle was caught at the wicket off left-arm spinner N West for 13 in the fourth over.

Moonsammy Veersammmy soon departed for 3 at 32 for 2, and batsmen later fell in quick succession to leave RHC reeling at 38 for 4. Zameer Hussain struck a massive six,

but was then soon bowled by left-arm spinner Rocky Hutson for nine.

Skipper Ameer Rahaman and the ultra-aggressive Sasenarine Sukhu then added 65 crucial runs for the sixth wicket with Sukhu hitting six sixes and two fours in a wellplayed 69. He was bowled with one ball remaining by Joel Seitram. Rahaman ended on eight not out as T Suknanan was run out off the last ball for one as RH Canje recovered well to end on 128 for 7 from their allotted 100 balls.

Former Berbice youth player Seitram and Rocky Hutson were Guymine’s best bowlers with 3 for 16 and 2 for 37 respectively.

Guymine, in reply, started like a house on fire with openers Devon Clements and Charles Grimmond blasting 34 in just three overs. Opening bowler Raymond Vankenie’s first over was taken for 22 runs as Guymine were on course to finish the game early. Sukhu then returned with the ball to bowl Grimmond for 30 (five boundaries and one six) to make the score 36 for 1.

Forty-eight-year-old leftarm spinner Charran Singh

Winning Captain Ameer Rahaman receives the championship trophy and financial prize

then dismissed Kuacy Sinclair (05) and former national junior player Devon Clements (12) to pull back the scoring rate. Boodram Ramsarran and Hutson struggled to get the ball off the square against the spinners. Canje, sensing a victory, fielded superbly and bowled well as the run-rate swelled to 12 per over.

Marlon Shepherd (12) and Jorim De Freitas (15) batted well, but were dismissed trying to up the run-rate. Guymine were eventually dismissed in the last over for 112 to lose by 16 runs. Sukhu completed a dream Man-of-the-Final performance by taking 3 for 17 and Charran Singh supported with 2 for 13.

BCB launches 2nd edition of “Special Projects Fund”

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At the presentation ceremony, BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that his Board was on course to complete the historic tournament within three months. The Let’s Bet Sports tournament includes the hosting of four different tournaments in West Berbice, New AmsterdamCanje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The four champions will then play a fifth tournament to decide the overall Berbice champions.

The hardworking BCB President praised both teams for providing a high-class final and hailed the work of Ameer Rahaman and the RH Canje, and Gregory Crandon

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Renick Beharry

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to create headlines as it marches towards continued success for cricket in the county, Guyana and the West Indies.

It recently launched its "Special Projects Fund" with an overwhelming response from three overseas friends of Berbice cricket. This is the second time that the Board has embarked on this initiative following the "Balls for Second Division Teams in Berbice Project" in 2018.

The first project – initiated by former BCB President Anil Beharry in conjunction with the BCB – was very successful and raised $830,000 which was made possible by Brian Chunilall, Noreen SeubaranGaskin, Yasin Mohamed, Two Friends of BCB, Ryan and Ian Bhagwandin, Derick and Renick Beharry, Kalvin Somrah, Raj "Rebels" Mathura, Faizal Jaffarally, Bobby and Pamela Kewlachand, Mukesh Matai, Danny Somai, Yadram Bhoj, Sharmila Muneshwar, Javed Raffik, Nazim Hussain, Allan Mangru, Owen Humphrey, Sean Devers, Vijai Dass, Bhim George, Surendra

Kalvin Somrah

Hiralall, Jack Beharry, Latcho Mohabir, Chetram Seooppersaud and Jeffrey Samaroo.

Every cricket club in the county received cricket balls with the provision of some additional funds. Some young promi s ing cricketers such as West Indies Under-15 pacer Isiah Thorne and National Under-19 opener Alex Algoo numbered among those to benefit. The second edition has received so far $165,000 from Tyler and Mia, Kalvin Somrah and Renick Beharry.

They all contributed towards the first project. Funds from this project will assist cricket clubs with balls, assist young promising cricketers who need help and the BCB to acquire cricket pitch covers so that key matches, including semi-finals and finals can be played without any rain interruption as the Board strives to spread the game across the length and breadth of the Ancient County. In addition, the Board will consider other requests for funding as it sees fit.

Former Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy assisted the Board with US$2000 worth of cricket balls to supplement this project.

of Guymine. Both clubs were dormant until recently, but already have top players in Berbice at the Second-Division level. Brand Ambassador Rawle Toney expressed his delight at the high standard of cricket played in the final and the organising skills of the t Foster-led BCB. Toney stated that Foster’s leadership was one of the main reasons why the brand comes on board with the BCB. He urged the Board and clubs in Berbice to uphold the high standard of cricket currently taking place in the Ancient County. The winning team, runners-up and Man of the Final received a trophy and a monetary prize.

Stakes raised as Crawford Memorial gears up for November 17

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he Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facility (CMTCSF) at Alness Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice will be gearing up for its highly-anticipated November 17 meet.

To date, more than 30 horses have been confirmed for the event and more are expected to come on board in the coming weeks. The event consists of seven categories which will feature some of Guyana’s top horses as the day promises to be an exciting one.

The feature event of the meet is the Alness Classic, set to be run over a distance of 1400 metres for a winning purse of $500,000 and a trophy.

The race for the I & Lower category of animals will also be run over a distance of 1400 metres, and will have a winner’s purse of $220,000 and a trophy.

Other events listed on the card are as follow: The 2-YearOld horse race over a distance of 1200 metres for a first prize of $200,000 and a trophy.

The race for J3 7 Lower horses will be run over 1200 metres for a winning

prize of $150,000 and a trophy.

The L1 and Lower race for horses 3 years old and over, to be run over 1200 metres for the winner’s prize of $100,000 and a trophy.

The L2 and Lower race for horses 3 years old and older will be run over 1000 metres for a winner’s prize of $80,000.

And the L3 Unclassified race, wherein animals would be covering a distance of 1200 metres for a winner’s prize of $60,000.

This meet will be run under the rules of the legislative draft of the late Marcel Crawford.

All bookings must be done with a deposit of $5000; and if there are less than five horses in a race, the prize will be reduced.

Individual trophies and other incentives will be given to riders who have performed exceptionally well at the meet.

For more information, persons are invited to contact Marcel Crawford Jr on 6785342 or 600-7690.

Some of the sponsors on board are Banks DIH (major sponsor); Poonai Pharmacy, and Jumbo Jet. All entries close on November 14, 2019.

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thursday, november 7, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

speeds

off November 16-17 N ext weekend, the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri will come alive once again as the “Clash of Champions” speeds off.

The event was launched on Tuesday evening at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Complex on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The event is expected to be an electrifying one as the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) closes off its year of competitions.

On Saturday, the event will be free as younger drivers and bikers will be given the opportunity to show off their skills.

However, when the big guns turn out on Sunday, admission will be $2000, with children under 10 entering free.

The “Clash of Champions” Schedule currently holds over 30 races with competition in the GP1, GP2, GP3, GP4, Starlet Cup, Radical SR3 Cup and Superbikes divisions.

The event has a number of sponsors, inclusive of ANSA McAL. Communications Officer Treiston Joseph shared that the company would continue to support the races and the reason it has chosen to sponsor the event under the Stag brand.

“We believe that Stag is the perfect beer to be a part of this event, because it rep-

Ray Rahaman

Ansa McAl’s Treiston Joseph

resents action, it represents adrenaline and it is one of the better beverages that is synonymous with motor racing. We’ve always been associated with motor racing in different ways and it is our privilege to be on board with this event,” Joseph stated.

Another sponsor, KFC also expressed its commitment to the sport. Here’s what Operations Manager Gregory De Gannes had to say: “Motor racing has become a major sporting event in Guyana and our future as a mo-

tor-racing generation looks very encouraging with the current generation of talented individuals and teams. KFC, in our commitment to develop sports in Guyana, is proud to be sponsoring this event. We are confident that the series of races will be an excellent exhibition of skills.”

Motor sport enthusiast Ray Rahaman took his turn at the podium to share a little racing history and tease fans about what to expect next weekend.“This is the oldest race meeting or series in the Caribbean – over 40

years. So much so that every time they have the Caribbean Championship over the last 15 years, Guyana has been honoured to have the final leg. Even though this year, all of the saloon cars are not coming, a better car is coming – a car that is the future,” Rahaman teased.

Meanwhile, GMR&SC representative and sport journalist Stephan Sookram disclosed the event’s long list of sponsors: “BM Soat Auto Sales, Mohammed’s Enterprise, Tropical Shipping, Valvoline, ANSA McAL, ExxonMobil, Japarts Care Services, Prem’s Electrical, Agriparts, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Secure Innovations and Concepts, Premiere Auto Sales, Bikers Bar, Professional Key Shop, Truck Masters, Palm Court, Kings Jewellery World, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Ramchand Auto Body and Tow Truck, KGM, Royal Castle, Ramada Hotel, Readymix, Auto Fashion, Ideal Supplies, Panco Steel Fabrication, Hand in Hand, Windjammer, Cyril’s Taxi, Century Energy Service and Survival Supermarket.” The “Clash of Champions” will feature racers from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, England and North America, as well as the local standouts.

59th National Schools Championship

Hundreds benefit at RHTY&SC cricket Education Department creates strategy teams’ massive medical outreach ꟷ Guyana Medical Mission makes donation to club geared at “acceptable” behaviour

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A glimpse inside the strategy meeting

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he Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Education Department is taking steps to ensure the 59th National Schools Swimming, Cycling and Track and Field Championship, which will be held at three venues including the Leonora Track and Field Centre from November 17-22, is incident-free and the athletes’ behaviour is in keeping with what is required.

According to Region Three Regional Education Officer (REO) Anesta Douglas, this approach is necessary given that a large number of youths will be away from their families for that period (one week). At the time when this was revealed, Douglas was having an inter-agency meeting at the Region Three Education Department to devise an appropriate strategy.

Douglas said that the initiative involving the Social Protection Ministry; ParentTeachers Associations (PTAs); officers from the Schools Welfare Department and the West Demerara Regional Hospital will ensure that the most suitable approach is adopted.

According to Region Three Senior Schools Welfare Officer Bernice Corbin-

Zephyr, four officers will be on duty utilising a shift system to monitor the athletes and to provide guidance where and when necessary.

Further, Corbin-Zephyr said that the officers would be at the Leonora Track and Field Centre and at the athletes' village for the duration of the championship.

"It's not that we anticipate any trouble, but we know when youths are in the same space for that length of time, you have to be vigilant and proactive to ensure that there are no issues."

Additionally, Corbin-Zephyr believes that the attention and focus should be on the athletes and their performances and it is hoped that with the formation of this committee, this goal will be realised.

The 59th National Swimming, Cycling and Track and Field Championship will be held in three phases – the cycling at the National Park on November 17, swimming at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal on November 18 and track and field on November 19-22 at the Leonora Track and Field Centre. President David Granger will be the patron of the event this year.

ore than 500 residents of Rose Hall Town and neighbouring villages on Monday benefited from high-quality medical care when the 10 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) hosted a one-day medical clinic at the St Francis Community Developers head office.

The clinic was held in collaboration with the Guyana Medical Mission, Friends and Roots of Rose Hall Town along with St Francis. Twelve doctors from the US0based Guyana Medical Mission conducted the clinic while the cricketers of the RHTY&SC did the administrative duties.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster hailed the clinic as the largest the club has ever organised and stated that residents were very pleased with the service offered during the ninehour event. The organisers had targeted 300 residents, but at 11:00h that number had already registered. Residents also received three months of medical supplies and free spectacles.

The medical team, headed by Dr Cort, a US-based Berbician, took the opportunity to speak to every resident about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including a proper daily diet. The major aliments treated were diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, poor vision, heart problems and knee pain.

Those who benefited stated that they were very impressed with the amount of time the doctors took to understand their problems, the advice given and the medical supplies they received.

The medical team consisted of doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacists from the US, Jamaica, Ghana, the United Kingdom, Canada and Guyana. The RHTY&SC made all of the local arrangements while the Friends and Roots of Rose Hall Town Organisation, based in the USA, provided the medical supplies for the day.

Dr Cort, in an invited comment, stated that he was very impressed with the organising skills of the RHTY&SC and the cricket teams. He hailed the medical clinic as an overwhelming success and stated

BCB President Hilbert Foster presents the donation of drugs to Dr Devendra Radhay of the Port Mourant Hospital

that it would become an annual event. The Guyana Medical Mission also handed over a large supply of Christmas toys to the cricket teams. The toys would be used during the teams’ upcoming 2019 Christmas Village and Charity programme.

Guyana Medical Mission executive Aubrey Edwards, who spearheaded the exercise, stated that she was very impressed with the work of the RHTY&SC and expressed confidence that the relationship would be a fruitful one in the future. The toys worth an estimated US$2000 would be distributed to less-fortunate children across Berbice.

Meanwhile, the RHTY&SC and the Friends of Rose Hall Town Group on Monday last donated a quantity of medical supplies to the Port Mourant Public Hospital. The donation was handed over to Doctor in Charge, Dr Devendra Radhay.

Radhay expressed gratitude to the two organisations for the assistance.

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thursday, november 7, 2019

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Chase, Hope star as West Indies take 1-0 lead over Afghanistan R

oston Chase fell six short of his maiden One-Day International (ODI) hundred while Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 77 as West Indies beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first ODI in Lucknow.

They now lead the threematch series 1-0. After being put in, half-centuries from Rahmat Shah and Ikram Alikhil had

In the next over, Holder had Ahmadi caught at second slip to leave Afghanistan 15 for 2 at the end of six overs. Rahmat and Alikhil too found it difficult to score and while Afghanistan played out 49 dot balls in the first 10 overs, the two ensured there wasn't a top-order collapse.

In the 11th over, Alikhil pulled Holder twice behind square leg for back-to-back

intervals. Najibullah Zadran was dismissed in the same over as Alikhil, caught at first slip off Chase for a duck. Rahmat and Asghar Afghan took the side past 150, but Rahmat too fell to Chase when he mistimed a scoop to Holder at backward square leg.

Asghar tried to hold the innings together and almost succeeded in it. At 188 for 6 with him and Gulbadin Naib in, Afghanistan were looking good for a total of around 230-240. But they lost their last four wickets for three runs and failed to reach even 200.

West Indies too didn't start well. Mujeeb Ur Rahman beat

Hope with carrom ball on more than one Hope misses a reverse sweep

The partnership of Shai Hope and Roston Chase took West Indies to victory

taken Afghanistan to 126 for 2 around the halfway stage.

But it was Alikhil's run-out that proved to be the turning point.

The batsman left his crease to congratulate Rahmat on his fifty with the ball still in play. And when Hope broke the stumps and West Indies appealed, he had to walk back.

Afghanistan couldn't recover from there and were bowled out for 194 in 45.2 overs. For West Indies, Jason Holder, Chase and debutant Romario Shepherd picked up two wickets each, while the USA leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr, who became the 14th player to represent two teams in ODIs, also chipped in with a wicket.

West Indies lost two early wickets in their chase, but Hope and Chase added 163 in a thirdwicket stand to ensure West Indies were always ahead in the game.

Chase fell when West Indies were seven away from the victory. Hope and Nicholas Pooran took them over the line with 21 balls to spare.

Earlier, Afghanistan didn't have a great start as Sheldon Cottrell and Holder bowled testing lines and lengths. With just five runs on the board after four overs, Hazratullah Zazai swatted one past Cottrell for four, but the bowler slipped in a searing yorker next to send Zazai's leg stump cartwheeling.

occasion but it was Lewis who fell to it. Playing back to a length ball, the left-hand batsman was trapped lbw. Shimron Hetmyer didn't last long either and was caught-behind off Naveenul-Haq.But after that Chase joined hands with Hope and a small target meant the two could take their time. Chase was the dominant partner in the century stand, hitting 11 fours during his innings while Hope played the supportive role.Though the Afghanistan bowlers were economical, they were not penetrative enough. Both Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi went wicketless, with the former now having taken just three wickets in the last seven ODIs. In the 40th over, Mujeeb got Chase to edge one behind, but Alikhil couldn't latch on to it. Chase was on 85 at the time and West Indies 24 away from the win.

Mujeeb eventually bowled Chase, but it was already too late. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Afghanistan Innings Hazratullah Zazai b Cottrell 9 Javed Ahmadi c Pooran b Holder 5 Alikhil c SO Hetmyer 3 Rahmat Shah c Holder b Chase 61 Ikram Alikhil † run out (Lewis/†Hope) 58 Najibullah Zadran c Holder b Chase 0 Asghar Afghan run out (Holder) 35 Mohammad Nabi c Cottrell b Holder 1 Gulbadin Naib c Chase b Walsh 17 Rashid Khan (c) c †Hope b Shepherd 0 Naveen-ul-Haq c Pollard b Shepherd 1 Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out 0 Extras 7 (lb 2, w 5) TOTAL 194 all out (45.2 Overs, RR: 4.27) Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Hazratullah Zazai, 4.5 ov), 2-15 (Javed Ahmadi, 5.5 ov), 3-126 (Ikram Alikhil, 26.3 ov), 4-126 (Najibullah Zadran, 26.6 ov), 5-152 (Rahmat Shah, 32.3 ov), 6-158 (Mohammad Nabi, 35.3 ov), 7-191 (Gulbadin Naib, 42.5 ov), 8-192 (Rashid Khan, 43.2 ov), 9-194 (Asghar Afghan, 44.6 ov), 10-194 (Naveen-ul-Haq, 45.2 ov) BOWLING O M R W SS Cottrell 7 0 33 1

JO Holder 10 2 21 2 AS Joseph 5 0 42 0 R Shepherd 6.2 0 32 2 RL Chase 10 0 31 2 HR Walsh 7 0 33 1 • West Indies Innings (target: 195 runs from 50 overs) SD Hope † not out 77 E Lewis lbw b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 7 SO Hetmyer c †Ikram b Naveen-ul-Haq RL Chase b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 94 N Pooran not out 8 Extras 8 (lb 4, w 4) TOTAL 197/3 (46.3 Overs, RR: 4.23) Yet to bat: KA Pollard (c), JO Holder, SS Cottrell, R Shepherd, HR Walsh, AS Joseph Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Evin Lewis, 4.1 ov), 2-25 (Shimron Hetmyer, 7.4 ov), 3-188 (Roston Chase, 43.5 ov) BOWLING O M R W Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10 1 33 2 Naveen-ul-Haq 8 1 30 1 Rashid Khan 10 0 43 0 Mohammad Nabi 10 0 44 0 Gulbadin Naib 5 0 28 0 Javed Ahmadi 3.3 0 15 0

Windies Women squad announced for T20 series

fours and that changed things a bit. Afghanistan got to 50 in the 15th over before Rahmat lofted Shepherd down the ground for a six and swept Chase for four. At the other end, Alikhil top-edged Joseph for six, clobbered him

Windies Women

Roston Chase missed out on his maiden century

to deep midwicket for four and brought up his fifty in 47 balls after being 4 off 17 at one stage.

Rahmat and Alikhil added 111 in 124 balls for the third wicket, but the ball off which Rahmat brought up his fifty also saw his partner being run-out.

Once that stand was broken, wickets kept tumbling at regular

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) named a 14-member squad to take on India Women in a five-match T20 International Series to be played on November 9 and 10 at the Daren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia and on November 14, 17 and 20 at the National Stadium in Guyana.

The team will be led by Stafanie Taylor with Shakera Selman returning. Shakera missed the Colonial Medical Insurance ODI series as an injury precaution to ensure her full fitness and availability for the T20I series.

This is the final home international T20I Series for the West Indies Women before the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia starting in February 2020. These matches are the primary focus of India’s Tour of the West Indies as a vital part of the team’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup. Speaking on the selection of the squad, Lead Selector of the Women’s and Girls panel, Ann Browne-John said: “Following the Colonial Medical Insurance ODI Series, the

majority of the squad has been retained. Chinelle Henry will hopefully be fit and ready to go again after being sidelined through concussion after the first ODI. Shakera Selman will bring her experience to this team to add more fire power to the bowling attack. The team have always had good performances in T20 matches and this series is vital preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.” Tickets for the T20Is are very affordably priced at just G$1000 (US$5) in Guyana, and EC$10 (US$5) for the five T20I matches, available online through the Windiescricket.com website or at https://www.zoonga.com/indiatour. Box offices at each ground are open on the day of each match.

FULL SQUAD: Stafanie Taylor – Captain; Anisa Mohammed – Vice Captain; Aaliyah Alleyne; Afy Fletcher; Shakera Selman; Hayley Matthews; Chedean Nation; Chinelle Henry; Stacey-Ann King; Kyshona Knight; Natasha McLean; Shabika Gajnabi; Shermaine Campbelle and Sheneta Grimmond. (CWI)

thursday, november 7, 2019

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West Indies take 1-0 lead over Afghanistan

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